Pat Harrigan Wins 2024 Open Seat in NC-10 After McHenry Retirement
Source: VoteWiser · All VoteWiser reports
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Summary
This VoteWiser district profile introduces North Carolina's 10th Congressional District, represented by Republican Pat Harrigan since 2025. It details his West Point nuclear engineering degree, Army infantry and Special Forces service with two Bronze Stars, 2024 victory in the open seat following Patrick McHenry's retirement, and current assignments on the House Armed Services and Science, Space, and Technology Committees. The segment highlights the Votewiser platform's bio, press, social, and Census tabs before reviewing 2026 ballot candidates: Harrigan (R), Ashley Bell (D), and Steven Feldman (L). It concludes with brief historical and cultural notes on sites across the district including Winston-Salem, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Hickory, and Statesville.
Editorial Assessment
The broadcast is a neutral, factual voter guide that accurately aggregates public data on the incumbent, district demographics, and local landmarks without advancing policy arguments. Claims on Harrigan's background, McHenry's retirement, committee service, and the 2026 field are fully corroborated by Ballotpedia, congressional records, and news reports. Historical details on Old Salem (1766 settlement, 1966 landmark), Reynolda House (1917 construction, 1967 museum), Lake Norman (1959-1964 creation), Lenoir-Rhyne (1891), Biotech Place (February 2012 opening), and Fort Dobbs match primary historical sources. Viewers receive a clear snapshot of the heavily Republican district but miss deeper policy contrasts among candidates or recent redistricting context that solidified its GOP lean. Minor demographic variances reflect use of older ACS estimates rather than the latest 2024 figures.
Key Moments
Pat Harrigan graduated from West Point with a degree in nuclear engineering, served as Army infantry and Special Forces officer, and earned two Bronze Star Medals.
Confirmed in his official congressional biography, Wikipedia, Ballotpedia, and House records.
Harrigan won the district's open seat in the 2024 election after Patrick McHenry announced his retirement; he serves on House Armed Services and Science, Space, and Technology Committees.
McHenry retired in 2023; Harrigan elected 2024 and sworn in 2025 per AP, Ballotpedia, and congressional directories.
District total population 774,000; median age 42.9; median household income $65,580; 26.4% of adults hold bachelor's or higher.
Figures align with older ACS estimates; 2024 data shows population ~766k-788k, median age ~40-41, income ~$70k-$72k, and bachelor's ~33%.
Old Salem settled by Moravians in 1766 and declared National Historic Landmark in 1966; Biotech Place opened February 2012 in Winston-Salem; Lake Norman created 1959-1964.
All dates corroborated by National Park Service records, Wake Forest announcements, and Duke Energy historical accounts.
In 2026, candidates advancing to general election are Pat Harrigan (R), Ashley Bell (D), and Steven Feldman (L).
Confirmed by Ballotpedia, Charlotte Observer voter guide, and 2026 primary results.
Sources Consulted
- Pat Harrigan - Ballotpedia
- North Carolina's 10th Congressional District election, 2026 - Ballotpedia
- Congressional District 10, NC - Profile data - Census Reporter
- North Carolina Rep. McHenry... won't seek reelection in 2024
- Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center Unveils... Biotech Place
- Creation of Lake Norman Altered the Landscape
- Fast Facts | Lenoir-Rhyne University