Richard Hudspeth
NC-11 Democratic nominee?
$12.8K
MAR 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current rolePhysician (family medicine)
PartyDemocratic
Political ideologyProgressive Democrat
GenderMale
LocationNorth Carolina
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BackgroundPhysician (family medicine)
EducationDuke University (B.A.)
Notable personal detailsRichard W. Hudspeth is a physician and former health system executive who ran for the U.S. House in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District as a Democrat in the 2026 cycle. He served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Blue Ridge Community Health Services (Blue Ridge Health) in Western North Carolina. He earned a B.A. from Duke University and an M.D. from the University of North Carolina School of Medicine, and completed postgraduate training in family medicine and obstetrics.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports tax relief targeted to working families and small businesses while calling for tax reforms to ensure wealthy individuals and corporations pay a fairer share; proposes refundable tax credits to help with affordability. Advocates using targeted tax credits and reforms rather than broad tax-cut proposals.
Healthcare
Supports expanding access to care by strengthening Medicare and Medicaid, creating a public option, lowering prescription drug prices, and increasing funding for rural hospitals and community health centers. Advocates public–private nonprofit partnerships and expansion of community health centers to improve affordability and local access.
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Immigration & Border
Supports an immigration system grounded in humanity and common sense and opposes large-scale enforcement sweeps that separate families and target noncriminal migrants. Emphasizes community safety through inclusion and criticizes aggressive ICE operations while calling for protections for asylum access and dignity for migrants.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
The candidate supports reproductive healthcare and a woman’s right to control her own body, framing abortion as part of reproductive healthcare while emphasizing prevention through education and access to birth control. He says decisions about pregnancy should remain between women and their families.
Climate & Energy
Supports investments in climate resilience and renewable energy jobs, advocates flood prevention, sustainable forestry, and better land management as part of rebuilding Western North Carolina.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate frames gun violence as a public‑health emergency and says it should be treated and addressed like a medical problem, but his campaign materials do not list specific gun-policy proposals or positions on measures such as background checks, assault-weapon bans, or red-flag laws.
News
Richard Hudspeth is in the news mainly because House Ethics Committee investigators have opened a probe into Rep. Chuck Edwards over allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct toward staffers. Edwards and his campaign deny the claims, and the committee says its review does not yet indicate any violation. The reporting also notes that Edwards is running for reelection in a North Carolina district seen as competitive, with redistricting and broader House battleground shifts adding to the stakes.
Redistricting after SCOTUS decision could give GOP edge in midterms
House Ethics panel investigates Chuck Edwards for sexual harassment
Republicans Lose Ground in Eight Key House Districts: Sabato’s Crystal Ball
GOP Rep’s Eyebrow-Raising Attention to Female Staff Exposed
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements