Richard Hudspeth
Democratic candidate for U.S. House in North Carolina
NC-11 Democratic nominee?
$12.8K
MAR 10, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Live Odds — NC-11 Democratic nominee?
Current prediction-market probability for the candidate, updated as market prices change.
1%chance to win
$12.8KMAR 10, 2026Candidate Overview
Key details about the candidate’s background, party, office sought and current campaign.
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 William Hudspeth is a Democratic candidate for U.S. House in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District. He is a physician and has served in leadership roles at Blue Ridge Health, including as chief medical officer and later chief executive officer. He has also worked in family medicine and medical administration in Western North Carolina and previously in Utah.
SourcesShowHide
Political 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.
Latest News
Richard Hudspeth is in the news because North Carolina Republicans have had to replace Chuck Edwards on the November ballot in the state’s 11th Congressional District after Edwards withdrew from the race amid an ethics scandal. The district is still considered competitive, and Republicans have now chosen Jennifer Balkcom as the new nominee. The race has also been shaped by broader concerns about ethics allegations, fundraising, and the district’s political lean.
Redistricting after SCOTUS decision could give GOP edge in midterms
GOP Congressman Ends Campaign After Disturbing Allegations
House Ethics panel investigates Chuck Edwards for sexual harassment
GOP Rep’s Eyebrow-Raising Attention to Female Staff Exposed
Campaign Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 2026Campaign finance totals from the latest available reporting period.
2026
LatestCycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
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