Rouzer and Hardy in close US House race

Incumbent Republican David Rouzer holds a slim lead over Democrat Kimberly Hardy in the tight race for U.S. House District 7. With a margin under one percent, a recount remains possible as both candidates focus on managing the region's population growth.

Voters line up outside the voting site at the Burgaw Middle School around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, 2026.

Incumbent Republican Representative David Rouzer held a slim lead over Democratic challenger Kimberly Hardy in the United States House District 7 race on Tuesday night. With all precincts reporting, Rouzer led by 2,425 votes across the district stretching from Fayetteville to Wilmington. The tight margin leaves the outcome undecided as the state approaches the upcoming canvass.