Who's In the Race

Rep. Addison McDowell (R-NC) faces Democrat Cyril Jefferson in the Nov. 3 general election in North Carolina's 6th District. North Carolina's General Assembly enacted a new congressional map in October 2025, redrawing the district boundaries now in use for the 2026 elections. ​

McDowell has served as the district's U.S. representative since January 2025, earning a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. He ran unopposed in the Republican primary on March 3.

Jefferson is the mayor of High Point, North Carolina, elected in 2023, and previously worked as a teacher, youth development consultant and education policy fellow. He won the Democratic primary on March 3 with about 39 percent of the vote over runner-up Alysa Kassay.

What They Stand For

Jefferson lists affordability and cost of living as a top priority on his campaign website.

McDowell earned his degree in political science and government and has represented the 6th District since January 2025, according to his official House website.

The Money Behind the Race

Federal Election Commission filings show McDowell raised about $1.2 million through June 30 and had about $382,000 in the bank. Jefferson raised about $200,000 through June 30 and had about $14,000 cash on hand, according to FEC filings. McDowell outraised Jefferson roughly six to one through the same period.

As of Oct. 12, candidates in the race had raised a combined $1,505,063.

Race Outlook: Ratings and Betting Markets

Every major handicapper rates this contest firmly in Republican territory. Cook Political Report rated the race Solid Republican as of Oct. 9; Sabato's Crystal Ball rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 11; and Inside Elections rated it Solid Republican as of Oct. 2.

On Kalshi, traders gave Republicans, whose nominee is McDowell, a 91.26 percent chance of winning as of Oct. 13, compared with an 8.74 percent chance for Democrats, whose nominee is Jefferson.

The district's recent history reflects that lean. McDowell won the seat in 2024 with about 69 percent of the vote. In 2022, Democrat Kathy Manning held the seat with about 54 percent. Statewide, Republicans and Democrats each won seven of North Carolina's 14 U.S. House seats in 2022; Republicans expanded that to 10 seats in 2024. Donald Trump carried North Carolina in the 2024 presidential election with about 51 percent of the vote.

North Carolina voters who want to weigh in on this race should note the following deadlines and hours, per the North Carolina State Board of Elections:

  • Voter registration deadline: Friday, Oct. 9, by 5:00 p.m. for online, mail, and in-person registration. Same-day registration is available during early voting.
  • Mail ballot application deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 20, by 5:00 p.m.
  • Early voting: Thursday, Oct. 15 through Saturday, Oct. 31. On the final day, voting ends at 3:00 p.m.; hours on other days vary by location.
  • Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

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