Democratic U.S. Representative Wiley Nickel announced on Thursday that he will not be seeking reelection to Congress next year. This decision comes as a result of congressional redistricting by Republican state legislators, which is likely to shift North Carolina’s delegation to the right. Nickel, who is in his first term as congressman, also expressed his consideration for a U.S. Senate bid in an election that is nearly three years away.
The redistricting measures implemented by GOP lawmakers have faced legal challenges from Democratic incumbents. They argue that the reconfigured lines make it futile for them to run for reelection. Prior to Nickel’s announcement, Democratic Representatives Jeff Jackson and Kathy Manning had already declared that they would not seek reelection. With the departure of these three incumbents, national Republicans are expected to benefit in their efforts to retain a U.S. House majority in 2025.
Nickel, in a news release provided by his campaign committee, accused Republicans of rigging the system in their favor and expressed his determination to continue fighting. He plans to work towards helping Democrats get elected at all levels, fighting against partisan gerrymandering, and exploring a path forward in the U.S. Senate. The next Senate seat election in North Carolina is scheduled for 2026, currently held by GOP Senator Thom Tillis.
While considering a Senate bid, Nickel also revealed his intention to file paperwork with the Federal Election Commission to shift his House campaign committee to a Senate committee. He plans to tour the state in 2024 to raise awareness about gerrymandering.
The 2022 elections in North Carolina were conducted under a map drawn by state judges, resulting in an equal number of seats won by Democrats and Republicans. However, the Republican-dominated General Assembly enacted a new map that is expected to favor the GOP, with projections indicating they could win at least 10 of the 14 seats. The 13th Congressional District, where Nickel narrowly won, is now considered a strongly leaning Republican district.
The departure of Nickel leaves two heavily Democratic districts neighboring the 13th, where Democratic incumbents Deborah Ross and Valerie Foushee are seeking reelection. At least 10 Republicans have filed as candidates for the new 13th District, which stretches across multiple counties.
Regarding the ongoing litigation over the newly drawn congressional districts, Jackson, an incumbent from the 14th District, has decided to run for state attorney general instead. Manning, who represents the 6th District, may reconsider running for Congress if the litigation alleging illegal racial gerrymandering is successful.
Nickel has been a vocal critic of the congressional map and has called for litigation to challenge its validity. A federal lawsuit has been filed by more than 20 Black and Latino voters, alleging racial bias in the 6th and three other congressional districts. However, it is unlikely that a resolution will be reached before the congressional primary elections, with absentee ballots set to be mailed on January 19.
Republicans supporting U.S. House candidates have welcomed Nickel’s departure, considering it a significant boost in their battle for the House majority.
In summary, Democratic Congressman Wiley Nickel’s decision not to seek reelection is a consequence of Republican-led redistricting efforts in North Carolina. The reconfigured lines have prompted several Democratic incumbents to withdraw from the race, potentially favoring the GOP’s bid to retain a House majority. Nickel, however, remains committed to fighting against gerrymandering and exploring a future U.S. Senate campaign.
