Democrat Richard Ojeda has defeated longtime Republican Congressman Richard Hudson in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, bringing a change in representation to Moore County and surrounding communities.
Ojeda, a retired U.S. Army major and former West Virginia state senator who lives in Aberdeen, defeated Hudson in Tuesday’s general election. Hudson, a Southern Pines resident who has served in Congress since 2013, acknowledged the defeat Wednesday and congratulated his opponent.
With all 169 precincts reporting early Wednesday, unofficial results showed Ojeda receiving 138,707 votes, or approximately 51.1%, compared with Hudson’s 132,692 votes, or 48.9%. The results remain unofficial until the state canvass scheduled for Nov. 13.
The 9th Congressional District includes Moore, Alamance, Hoke and Randolph counties, along with portions of Chatham, Cumberland and Guilford counties.
Despite losing the districtwide race, Hudson carried Moore County, along with Randolph and Chatham counties. Ojeda received more votes in Alamance, Hoke, Cumberland and Guilford counties.
Hudson, who also serves as chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, had won reelection in 2024 by nearly 20 percentage points. His defeat marks a significant change in a district that had long favored Republican candidates.
In a statement released Wednesday from Southern Pines, Hudson said he accepted the election results and expressed gratitude for his years in public office.
“Last night, the voters of North Carolina’s 9th District made their choice, and I respect it,” Hudson said.
Hudson also reflected on his time representing North Carolina, particularly the military community at Fort Bragg.
“Representing the people of North Carolina has been the honor of my life,” Hudson said.
Hudson confirmed that he had personally contacted Ojeda following the election.
“I called to congratulate Richard Ojeda on his victory,” Hudson said. “I wish him well and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition for the people of North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District.”
Ojeda celebrated his victory in a Facebook post Wednesday, thanking the voters and volunteers who supported his campaign.
“We did it, NC-09! We stood together, fought hard, and sent the NRCC Chair, Richard Hudson, packing!” Ojeda wrote.
He credited campaign volunteers, donors and voters for the outcome.
“I’ve spent my life fighting for working people, and I’m not about to stop now,” Ojeda wrote. “This victory belongs to every volunteer who knocked doors, every supporter who donated, and every voter who believed we could bring real change to Washington.”
Ojeda also addressed the people he will represent in Congress.
“Thank you for trusting me to represent you. I will never forget who sent me there, and I will never stop fighting for you,” he wrote.
Ojeda served 24 years in the U.S. Army, including deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. He spent part of his military career stationed at Fort Bragg and later served in the West Virginia Senate before returning to North Carolina.
During his congressional campaign, Ojeda focused on issues including the cost of living, veterans’ services, Social Security and Medicare.
In a separate statement following the election, Ojeda pledged to work on lowering prescription drug prices, protecting Social Security and veterans’ benefits, and reducing the influence of corporate money in politics.
The election brings an end to Hudson’s 14 years in Congress. First elected in 2012, Hudson initially represented North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District before redistricting placed him in the 9th District beginning in 2023.
In his farewell statement, Hudson thanked his congressional staff and family for their support throughout his time in office. He also indicated that he intends to remain involved in advocating for conservative policies.
“I do not know what the future holds for me, but I face it with gratitude and optimism,” Hudson said.
Ojeda is expected to take office in January 2027 as part of the 120th Congress, becoming the new U.S. House representative for Moore County and the rest of the 9th Congressional District.
A Moore County native who has spent more than 20 years telling stories across North Carolina and beyond. He’s worked with CNN, WRAL, and CBS 17, and now serves as a Video Journalist for ABC11. Patrick has a passion for breaking news and has earned multiple awards for his coverage. He’s also a certified NWS SKYWARN Storm Spotter and was among the first news videographers in the state to become an FAA-certified drone pilot.
