Powells Point businessman and four-term Republican state legislator Bobby Hanig has announced he will run for a seat in Washington D.C. in 2026.
“I am proud to announce my candidacy for United States Congress and the First Congressional District of North Carolina,” said Hanig, who currently serves in the state Senate.
He will run for the seat representing 22 counties in a district spanning from Carova to Henderson to Kinston, and is currently held by two-term Democratic Rep. Don Davis of Snow Hill.
Dare and Hyde counties are in the Third District, and are represented by Congressman Greg Murphy (R-Greenville).
Hanig will face Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson in a Republican primary next year for the party’s nomination to a race that will likely garner nationwide attention as the GOP tries to hold its seven seat margin in the House.
The Cook Political Report rates the First District as one of ten “Democrat Toss Up” races.
Dare and Hyde counties are in the Third District
In his candidacy press release, the 61-year-old Hanig proudly touted his alignment with President Donald Trump.
“I’m running because Northeastern North Carolina deserves true conservative leadership that will fight for our community and the America First Agenda.” Hanig said.
“I’ve cut taxes for North Carolina families, toughened border control in the state, stood up for life, and defended our Second Amendment rights,” Hanig said.
A U.S. Army veteran, Hanig is the owner of The Pool Guy, pool and spa maintenance and repair services company with over 400 properties along the Outer Banks.
Hanig began his political career as a member and chair of Currituck County Board of Commissioners from 2016 to 2018, before winning the first of two terms in the North Carolina House from majority Republican districts.
After redistricting shuffled his House district, Hanig ran for N.C. Senate in 2022 shen he defeated incumbent Democrat Valerie Jordan.
Last year, he turned back a challenge from Dare County Democrat Susan Sawin.
Hanig most recently gain statewide notireity for openly challenging state Senate leaders over “Shrimpgate”, a bill that would have banned shrimp trawlers from working in the state’s sounds and nearshore waters.
After the bill passed the Senate, it has since stalled in the House.
“I’m a proven leader who has always been a fierce advocate for my constituents and our shared values and beliefs,” Hanig said. “I will continue that fight when I get to Washington.”
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