Vodka distillery owner challenges NC Republican congressman

The founder of a new vodka distillery is challenging U.S. Rep. George Holding of Raleigh.

Sam Searcy, a 40-year-old Holly Springs resident and a Democrat, announced his candidacy Monday morning.

“I feel like our representation in North Carolina’s 2nd District is completely out of touch with what people go through in the district,” said Searcy, who has four young children. “My set of life experiences and business experiences are a better fit. I understand what people go through. I’ve been at the table when you’re trying to figure out how to afford to put your second kid in day care.”

Searcy is hoping to present a contrast with Holding, who comes from a prominent banking family in the Triangle and who the Center for Responsive Politics estimates is worth more than $6 million. Holding is in his third term as a congressman. He represented the 13th District for two terms, but ran in the 2nd District in 2016 after redistricting and defeated incumbent and fellow Republican Renee Ellmers in 2016. Holding defeated John McNeil in the general election, winning more than 56 percent of the vote.

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