A lot of Greensboro voters will most likely go to the polls only to find out that they are not in the 6th Congressional District. Most of Greensboro was moved to the 5th District in the latest redistricting.
Since the 6th District leans heavily Republican and is an open seat, a good many Republicans from across the state have filed to run. The 6th District is also enticing to Republican candidates because not only did 6th District Congresswoman Kathy Manning decline to run for reelection, no other Democrat filed to run either, which means the winner of the 6th District Republican primary is essentially elected to Congress.
There are six Republicans in the race. And while a couple have massive amounts of PAC money and impressive endorsements, the best candidate is former 6th District Congressman Mark Walker.
Voting for candidates who have never held office is a tricky business. What they say on the campaign trail and what they do in office may be entirely different.
With Walker, the voters know what he will do in office, because he’s already been there and done it.
Walker was first elected to represent the 6th District in 2014, and that Republican primary was even more crowded than this one – with nine candidates.
After one term in Congress, Walker was elected chair of the Republican Study Committee, a powerful group of very conservative Republican representatives. He also served as vice chair of the Republican Conference.
Walker appeared to be well on his way to significant leadership positions in Congress, but his career was cut short by redistricting.
The redistricting for the 2020 election switched the 6th District from leaning Republican to heavily Democrat. Walker chose not to run in an election he couldn’t win.
In 2020, Walker announced he was running for the open Senate seat in 2022, a race that was won by Sen. Ted Budd.
Walker also launched a campaign for North Carolina governor, but once the redistricting for the 2024 election was approved, Walker dropped out of the governor’s race to run for his old seat in Congress.
With Walker, voters know what they will get if they send him back to Congress – more down-to-earth conservative leadership.
The fact that other candidates are running negative ads about Walker is a good indication that he is the front runner, and also that some candidates have big money behind them.
Keep Mark (RINO) Walker in NC. He failed miserably on his first attempt. Epic Fail. Do not vote Walker for any seat in DC.
I like RINOs. They seem to be the only members of the former party of Lincoln, Eisenhower and Reagan who do not fight amongst each other to be first in line to lick the golden sneakers. I like Mark Walker too. Keep up the good work, John!
I’m trying hard to understand the logic of we will know what we are getting and you list his inner party credentials, but, as a newcomer, I still don’t know why I should vote for him except that he once held the seat.
How many elections does he need to lose before people start wondering why he wants to be a congressman (again) so bad. He had his time, and he’s been trying to get back since he lost his seat. It’s his full time job it seems. Anytime I see someone constantly trying to get to Washington that’s lost numerous times, I start seeing red flags. It’s time to move on to another candidate.
He only list one election. Same as trump. And that election was a primary. Get your facts straight
He lost the election for his seat 6 years ago to Kathy Manning because the district was redrawn to make it a heavy Democrat district. And now, Kathy Manning is upset because she says it was “redistricted”. See how this works?
Interstingly, while Kathy said she lost because of redistricting, in reality she was never popular with the wide range of her constituents, just democrats.
No do the opposite. Do not send Mark Walker back to congress. He showed his true colors during the US Senate primary in 2022. Get new blood in office. Mark Walker is the same ol republican square wheel that is spinning half broke. Love you for years now Hammer but this time I disagree.
Don’t send Walker back. He did absolutely nothing the first time he was there. HE ONLY WANTS THE FAT PAYCHECK!
He was in the top percentile of congressman who didn’t show up to work. He had his chance and he didn’t show anything special. He’s just another person out for himself and the fat congressional salary. Castelli is a better pick by far. Walker didn’t bother to show up for work most of the time as a congressman, why would you send someone like that back??
He’s only in it for himself just like Nikki Haley. Both are losers.
And Walker turned chicken and bowed out last time. That tells you he’s only in it for Mark Walker, not for the people. Absolute phoney!!
Castelli a far better pick? Perhaps. But if he wants to represent the 6th district, why is it he doesn’t want to live here with us?
Christian Castelli does live in the district. He lives in High Point. You can call his office at (336) 810-8100 and confirm. You can also look up his voter registration records and you will see he lives in District 6.
Castelli has a home in High Point (Guilford County, and District 6) plus other properties in the state. Last I checked, Walker does not live in District 6.
But, if all you have to claim against Castelli is false information, please remedy that issue.
Any research will show which of these has the mettle for the crazy times ahead in Washington. Not a lawyer. Not a lobbyist. Not a career political seeker.
Castelli – the only one on the ballot with more real-world experience than all the others combined.
Hear, hear !
So you guys think that someone that gave up and ran away from that Pelosi clone Manning WITHOUT TRYING to point out what her votes would go to 100% of the time, and then waste his campaign dollars on two subsequent failed attempts, is a better choice just because he learned how to navigate the swamp for 6 years ?? NOT in my opinion
Kent Vernon/ Thomasville
Walker became part of the Swamp when he was there. If not, he would never have been selected for a leadership position. Too bad, because I liked the guy he presented at first, but he exercised poor judgement in succumbing to the Uniparty two step, so sorry amigo.
I wouldn’t send Mark Walker to the bathroom, much less Congress. He’s an embarrassment to true conservatives.
Absolutely, couldn’t agree more! Mark Walker’s track record speaks volumes, and it’s clear he doesn’t represent the values of true conservatives. We need leaders who uphold integrity and principle, not someone who’s become synonymous with disappointment. It’s time to move forward with candidates who truly embody conservative ideals.
No doubt that Mark Walker is a fine Christian man with good intentions. BUT he’s too nice, too polite to gain victories over the Dems, who frequently have no principles. What we need in Congress is a fighter! Someone who will not go along to get along. Christian Castelli is a decorated Green Beret, a veteran of many battles. He will stand up for us and our American values.
The only thing I remember he did was participate in a attempt to interrupt a congressional meeting!
I wasn’t impressed with Walker when he decided he wasn’t running against Manning and left conservatives with no choice in the last election. He hadn’t been a strong voice during his previous time in office, but being a weenie and deciding he didn’t have a chance was abandoning the troops in battle. No one wants a “leader” like that. This is one reason I’m not happy with many GOP candidates now. But it doesn’t matter because I’m in District 5 now and get to figure out which candidate to choose in that election. It’s all new to me.
He did the very same thing when President Trump needed vocal support around election time 2020. He completely disappeared.
John Hammer’s editorial praising Mark Walker as a good pick for NC District 6 is nothing more than a biased attempt to push an agenda. The only reason for this endorsement is the financial ties between Roy Carroll, the owner of the Rhino Times, and Mark Walker. Let’s not forget that Mark Walker already had his chance in Congress and failed the citizens of this community. We don’t need another RINO (Republican In Name Only) in Congress, and it’s evident that Mark Walker is simply looking for a job rather than truly serving the people. North Carolina deserves better than political favors and failed promises.
In addition to exposing the biased motives behind John Hammer’s editorial, it’s crucial to highlight the necessity of Christian Castelli’s leadership in Congress. As a combat veteran of the Army with the rank of Colonel, Castelli has led more than 2,000 troops into battle, showcasing his unparalleled experience and proven ability to lead people effectively. Unlike candidates like Walker, who are merely seeking a paycheck, Castelli embodies the true essence of service and dedication to our country. It’s time to drain the swamp of career politicians and elect a leader like Castelli, who will prioritize the needs of the people over personal gain.
When he was running in a GOP Primary against Phil Berger Jr, Walker accused Berger of bringing a losing case before the US Supreme Court (on television). I forget the name of the case, other than one party was Berger.
It was a case from the 1930’s, well before Berger was born.
Walker must have known this. That was a deliberate and calculated lie.
I have never trusted Mark Walker ever since.
It’s disappointing to see John Hammer perpetuate this narrative, especially considering the glaring conflict of interest with Roy Carroll’s (owner of the Rhino Times) financial ties to Mark Walker. Let’s call it what it is: Walker’s return to Congress would be a step backward for our community.
Walker’s track record speaks for itself: he’s cheated his way into office, misrepresented our community, and failed to support the Trump agenda. We need leaders who genuinely represent the interests of their constituents, not someone who’s simply seeking to maintain their political career.
It’s time to reject the establishment politics of the past and embrace a new vision for our future. Christian Castelli embodies the values of true conservatism and will fight tirelessly to restore integrity and accountability to Congress. It’s time to put the interests of our community first and reject the recycled career politicians of yesteryear.
Nothing remarkable with Mark Walker which is worthy to elect him to Congress again! He is only looking for an easy road for a position in Politics, instead of fighting for what he was originally elected to do? I want a US Marine to represent me!
I have learned to beware of those that wear a Cross on their a shoulder. If you are a Christian, be a Christian and you don’t have to advertise that you are a Christian. Learned the hard way that those that advertise their Christianity are most often the least trustworthy of all!
Jim Donaldson
Yes Jim, I too am wary of people who wear their faith on their sleeve.
I think it’s tacky and tawdry, especially when they’re using it to further their own goals and get votes.
Your enthusiasm is overwhelming.
What this race has shown is how money tries to, and far-too-often can, influence elections, and how the swamp is so deep, it stains every person who wants to drain it.
History will show how three candidates were convinced that money and politics were the only game they had to push the people of District 6 to play, and they got rejected.
Christian Castelli is not here to play games. He’s above that. He’s here to serve his country, once more, in what could arguably be the most volatile time in our country’s history. Politics is not his game, and our nation’s security is his end. This is very serious for him, and the nation, and he’s emboldened, with a multitude of skill sets America desperately needs in D.C.
Castelli is by far the best choice on the ballot.
Spend some time learning Walker’s conservative voting record while in Congress. He has a demonstrated conservative voting record and has always been a loyal Republican Party stalwart. He is honest and has a strong moral compass, qualities in short supply in Washington.
This is the kind of endorsement we ought to see more often. Not about how bad somebody else is, but what is good about the person you support. (It probably helps that I agree with you…)
I don’t understand the negative comments made about Mark Walker. His decision to not run against Kathy Manning made complete sense. Kathy Manning is a rich liberal Jew whose husband’s wealth was made in part from projects involving the City of Greensboro. What chance did a conservative White guy have against a liberal in a liberal city? Manning knew she could not win when Greensboro was no longer in District 6. That’s why she is not running this time. She made the same decision that Walker made previously. As for Christian Castelli, his endorsements are not impressive, especially Mike Pompeo and Newt Gingrich.
Sorry, but I reckon an endorsement from Newt Gingrich is pretty good !
Pompeo too.
Do not vote for Jay Wagner. Votes have consequences. Wagner, as Mayor of High Point, supported annexation and rezoning of land on Boylston Rd for a school supported by Deena Hayes and Skip Alston. That school has origins in the fire of collusion. Wagner may have thought that since he was not running again for mayor, his vote did not matter; but being the politician he is, he cannot help running again, albeit it for another office. While the new District 6 appears to have a Republican advantage, Wagner must get past the primary. Do not vote for Wagner.
Mark Walker, who served as a music minister before representing the NC 6th district in 2015, has been accused of faking endorsements from Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Markwayne Mullen, and Reps Gus Bilirakas and Matt Gates have either pulled their endorsements if Walker or said they never gave him on in the first place. Now Veterans for Trump have launched an investigation into Mark Walker. https://veteransfortrump.us/unauthorized-clone-website-issued-mark-walker-endorsement-investigation-launched/
I suppose no one remembers the insurance scandal that Mark Walker was associated with? Get real. His only other job was a pastor at a southern Baptist Church…it isn’t for everyone, and I for one am tired of evangelicals. Keep your Christian beliefs out of Congress.