





Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Current roleAttorney (family law)
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyTrump-aligned Republican
GenderFemale
LocationNorth Carolina
BackgroundAttorney (family law)
EducationAppalachian State University — B.S., Political Science (magna cum laude)
Notable personal detailsAshley-Nicole Russell is a North Carolina attorney and the founder of AN|R Law, a family law firm with multiple offices across the state. She earned dual B.S. degrees in political science and criminal justice from Appalachian State University and a J.D. from North Carolina Central University School of Law, along with a Certificate in Dispute Resolution. She has been active in collaborative family law and has authored a book on divorce culture while also serving with civic and professional organizations.
Supports reducing government spending, passing a Balanced Budget Amendment, lowering costs, cutting red tape for small businesses, and working with President Trump’s agenda to rebuild the economy. Emphasizes stopping “reckless” federal spending and opposing large spending sprees. Prioritizes policies aimed at lowering the cost of living and helping small businesses rather than expanding taxes or government programs.
Supports stronger border security and enforcement measures, including finishing construction of a border wall and funding enforcement to stop fentanyl and illegal crossings. Positions align with President Trump’s America First agenda on securing the border.
Supports protecting life and describes defending parents’ rights and protecting kids as part of her platform; positions align with a pro-life stance that seeks restrictions on abortion rather than codifying unrestricted access. The campaign emphasizes family- and faith-based priorities and alignment with President Trump’s agenda on protecting children and parental rights.
The candidate emphasizes protecting the coastal economy and local industries and frames priorities around lowering costs, stopping federal overreach, and supporting farmers, fishermen, and small businesses; she does not present detailed climate or energy policy proposals on her campaign sites or in available local coverage. Public materials mention defending coastal industries but do not specify positions on emissions targets, fossil fuel development, clean energy investments, or climate agreements.
Supports robust Second Amendment protections and opposes compromises on gun-rights restrictions. Positions align with defending gun ownership and backing law-enforcement-friendly, pro‑Second Amendment policies.
Ashley-Nicole Russell is in the news as a candidate in a political environment that appears to be shifting toward Democrats in recent special elections. A broader analysis says Democrats have improved their vote share in nearly 85% of 2025-2026 special elections, which some see as a favorable sign heading into the 2026 midterms. Separately, North Carolina Republicans passed a new congressional map that makes the state’s 1st District more Republican-friendly, part of a redistricting fight that could affect House control.





Aggregation source: FiftyPlusOne
Endorsers of Ashley-Nicole Russell for NC-01 Republican nominee?
Public figure
Donald J. Trump endorsed Ashley-Nicole Russell for Congress in North Carolina's 1st District.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC