Richard Hudson has been serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District since January 2023. Previously, he represented the state’s 8th District from 2013 to 2023. A member of the Republican Party, Hudson has established himself as a prominent figure in North Carolina politics.
Career Path to Congress
Early Life and Education: Born in Franklin, Virginia, Hudson was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with degrees in political science and history.
Political Staff Positions: Before his election to Congress, Hudson gained extensive experience as a congressional staffer. He served as chief of staff for several Republican representatives, including Virginia Foxx (NC), John Carter (TX), and Mike Conaway (TX). This position provided him with valuable insights into legislative processes and constituent services.
Entry into Elected Office: In 2012, Hudson ran for Congress in North Carolina’s 8th District. He secured the Republican nomination after a runoff and went on to defeat the Democratic incumbent, Larry Kissell, in the general election. Following redistricting, Hudson began representing the 9th District in 2023.
Sponsored Legislation
Throughout his tenure, Hudson has sponsored and co-sponsored various pieces of legislation that reflect his policy priorities:
- Airport Security Enhancement: In response to the 2013 Los Angeles International Airport shooting, Hudson sponsored a bill aimed at improving airport security measures. This legislation sought to enhance communication and response protocols among security agencies.
- Second Amendment Rights: Hudson is a staunch advocate for gun rights and has sponsored legislation to protect and expand Second Amendment freedoms. He has vocally opposed measures he perceives as infringing on citizens’ rights to bear arms.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Hudson has introduced bills focusing on healthcare reforms, particularly concerning opioid addiction. He has been a leading advocate for opioid reform, emphasizing the need for comprehensive strategies to combat the opioid crisis.
Votes and Stances on Major Social Issues
- Abortion: Hudson opposes abortion and has consistently voted in favor of pro-life legislation. He supports measures that restrict access to abortion and has co-sponsored bills aimed at defunding organizations that provide abortion services.
- Same-Sex Marriage: In 2015, Hudson co-sponsored a resolution to amend the Constitution to ban same-sex marriage, reflecting his support for traditional definitions of marriage.
- Immigration: Hudson supported President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order imposing a temporary ban on entry to the U.S. from certain Muslim-majority countries. He emphasized the need for proper vetting and additional screening to ensure national security.
Votes and Stances on Major Economic Issues
- Affordable Care Act (Obamacare): Hudson favors repealing the Affordable Care Act and has voted multiple times to dismantle or replace it. He advocates for market-based healthcare solutions and increased competition to lower costs.
- Tax Policy: Hudson has supported tax reform measures aimed at reducing rates for individuals and businesses. He argues that lowering taxes stimulates economic growth and job creation.
- Regulatory Reform: He consistently votes to reduce federal regulations that he believes hinder economic development, particularly those affecting small businesses and the energy sector.
Demographics of North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District
As of the latest available data, North Carolina’s 9th District has the following demographic characteristics:
- Population: Approximately 747,637 residents.
- Median Age: 36.4 years.
- Racial Composition:
- White (Non-Hispanic): 56.5%
- Black or African American (Non-Hispanic): 22.6%
- Hispanic White: 4.76%
- Two or More Races (Non-Hispanic): 4.37%
- Other (Hispanic): 3.98%
- Median Household Income: $61,164.
- Poverty Rate: 15.1%.
- Homeownership Rate: 65%.
These statistics provide insight into the district’s socioeconomic landscape, highlighting its diversity and economic challenges.
Controversial Statements
Hudson has made statements that have attracted controversy:
- Obama’s Citizenship: In April 2012, during a primary campaign event, Hudson suggested that President Obama was “hiding something” regarding his citizenship. He later apologized for the remark and acknowledged that he accepted Obama’s U.S. birth certificate.
- 2020 Election Results: Following the 2020 presidential election, Hudson was among 126 Republican members of the House who supported a lawsuit challenging the election results. He also objected to the certification of electoral votes on January 6, 2021—actions that were criticized as attempts to undermine the democratic process.
These instances have been points of contention among constituents and political observers, reflecting the polarized nature of contemporary political discourse.