Brad Knott, recently triumphant in flipping North Carolina's 13th District, promised voters that he plans to challenge federal government overreach, address the national debt, and reallocate power to local levels.
A North Carolina native and former Assistant U.S. Attorney, Knott chose to resign his role as a federal prosecutor to pursue a position in Congress, motivated by his discontent with current national policies.
These policies, he observed, adversely affected local law enforcement during his tenure. He asserts a direct link between these national policies and increased local struggles, especially concerning law enforcement.
Fox News reported that Knott’s campaign garnered significant attention when endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump, who labeled him a "Strong Patriot" on social media platforms. This endorsement came just before his primary runoff, which propelled him toward a victory over Democrat Frank Pierce in November.
The district's constituents heavily felt the impacts of the national border crisis, expressing fears about increasing local resource strains. This sentiment played a crucial role in Knott’s electoral strategy, which involved extensive direct voter engagement. He interacted with voters by knocking on doors and holding town hall meetings.
During these interactions, Knott listened to voters' concerns, which often included frustration over national economic policies.
He criticized these policies for intensifying local challenges, such as the flow of drugs and an uptick in violence, which he linked to inadequate border policies under the Biden administration.
Knott articulated his frustrations with the federal response, particularly its handling of the border crisis. He condemned the executive for failing to stem the flow of drugs and associated violence infiltrating U.S. borders which, in his view, has led to increased criminality impacting communities like those in the 13th District.
With plans to serve on the Judiciary Committee, Knott desires to address what he sees as an inefficiency in the current criminal code which he believes ought to reliably resist fluctuations from executive changes.
His previous experience dealing with the legal dimensions of law enforcement has shaped his perspective on the necessity of these reforms.
While in Congress, one of his goals is to adjust the allocations of federal spending, criticizing the rapid deployment of extensive aid, such as that directed towards Ukraine amidst the recent conflict there, which he acknowledges as 'horrible.' However, Knott prioritizes redirecting much of this foreign aid to address domestic issues instead.
Highlighting the connection between national policy impact on local scales, Knott pointed out that America is shouldering a $36 trillion debt, questioning the tangible benefits received by citizens relative to the federal spending incurred.
Knott also weighed in on the transgender bathroom controversy, a topic that emerged during his congressional orientation, advocating for policies that support single-sex facilities. His views reflect a broader concern towards maintaining safety and privacy standards in public spaces.
In quoting Knott's perspective on respect and dignity, he emphasized that while all individuals are deserving of respect, this does not extend to compromising the safety of traditional spaces used by women and girls.
His commentary aligns with his broader legislative and social agenda aimed at reestablishing prioritized concerns and scaling back federal overreach.
As Brad Knott prepares for his forthcoming role in Congress, his platform reflects a blend of local concerns with national implications. Emphasizing the need to redirect federal attention back to American citizens and localities, his agenda entails initiatives aimed at enhancing national security and economic stability while respecting traditional social norms.