Embattled GOP candidate Mark Harris not running in North Carolina congressional special election

Mark Harris, the GOP contender in North Carolina's uncalled 9th Congressional District race, has opted not to run in the special election ordered by state officials after an election fraud scandal.

The North Carolina pastor who ousted incumbent Rep. Robert Pittenger in the last primary cycle cited health concerns caused by the legal battles he and his campaign faced during the certification process for the election. Harris confirmed in a prepared statement that he will be undergoing surgery next month.

"Given my health situation, the need to regain full strength, and the timing of this surgery the last week of March, I have decided not to file in the new election for Congressional District 9."

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