Colby Watson

Colby Watson

Democratic Party

Candidate, U.S. House North Carolina District 8

Elections and appointments

Next election

March 3, 2026

Education

High school

Homeschool

Personal

Birthplace

Indian Trail, NC

Profession

Business owner

Contact

Campaign website

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Colby Watson (Democratic Party) is running for election to the U.S. House to represent North Carolina's 8th Congressional District. He is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Watson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Colby Watson was born in Indian Trail, North Carolina. He earned a high school diploma through homeschooling. His career experience includes working as a business owner.

Elections

2026

See also: North Carolina's 8th Congressional District election, 2026

General election

The candidate list in this election may not be complete.

The primary will occur on March 3, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 8

Incumbent Mark Harris is running in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 8 on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
		Mark Harris (R)

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 8

Kevin Clark, Jesse Oppenheim, and Colby Watson are running in the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 8 on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Kevin Clark
		Jesse Oppenheim
		Colby Watson

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Justin Dues (D)
• Justin Bunting (D)

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Mark Harris advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 8.

Endorsements

Watson received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• Progressive Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party

Campaign website

Watson's campaign website stated the following:

Housing and Economy

The attempt by institutional investors to own the housing market has driven up prices and squeezed out first-time home buyers. How does it make us feel to know that our children may have to bid against a billion-dollar company for their first home? I will fight to push corporate greed out of our housing market, and I won't take no for an answer.​ We must work diligently to preserve homeownership in America so that future generations can build wealth through owning a home.

Labor and Farming

There’s no reason the richest 1% should continue to reap the benefits of your hard work while you struggle to pay bills. As a small business owner myself, I understand how hard it can be to make ends meet while running your business. I’ve seen the devastation of unbalanced policies in my own community.

Healthcare

Healthcare has become an absolute nightmare for many. Medical debt is the leading cause of bankruptcy in the US, causing financial ruin for millions. Healthcare should be about healing, not profits. How many of us have skipped a doctor visit to save money, only to become sicker? What is happening in the medical industry is simply criminal, and it must be fixed. For the leaders who tell us that healthcare for all is too expensive, I can assure you that a sick population is much more costly. Too many politicians today are taking in money from pharmaceutical and healthcare conglomerates.

Education and Family

The education system is failing our children. Not the teachers, but the system itself. I have worked some tough jobs, but none that compare to being a teacher. As a homeschooling father of two children, I support parents’ rights to educate their children how they see fit. I also believe that public school teachers need to be paid more, and that we need to invest in our education system so that all children have a fighting chance.​​

Infrastructure

Infrastructure is the backbone of civic life. America has fallen behind the rest of the developed world in updating and improving our infrastructure. It's time to change that.

Corruption

We can't afford politics as usual anymore. Our political system is marred by corrupt politicians and corporate interests that undermine the needs and the will of the people.

1st Amendment

I promise to protect everyone’s 1st Amendment rights, whether we agree or not. I believe in freedom of speech for all and the freedom to practice your religion how you see fit, without government interference.

Crime

District 8 has one of the highest crime rates in North Carolina, and right now, it’s not being addressed by those in power. I love the people here, and I know how painful it can be to see your communities get labeled as dangerous, or worse, for them to actually be dangerous for you and your families.

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Both my political allies and opponents have said this, and I agree: “No more forever wars.” Congress should not use its power to support endless wars, and American lives should not be put at risk in conflicts without clear goals. America is also a country of immigrants, and when done right, immigration makes us all stronger.

— Colby Watson's campaign website (September 10, 2026)

Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Colby Watson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Watson's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

First and foremost, I am a lifelong North Carolinian, born and raised in Indian Trail right here in the 8th District. I’m a husband, father, and small business owner. I’m a lover of democracy and a firm believer that government should serve the people, not special interests. I believe deeply in fairness, equality, and justice for all.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• End corruption and take money out of politics. Our democracy has been hijacked by big money and special interests. I’m running to restore power to the people by ending the influence of super PACs and corporate lobbyists. Real change begins when we remove corruption from our political system.
• Tackle the cost of living crisis and the growing wealth inequality. The cost of living keeps rising while wages stay the same, forcing working families to do more with less. Meanwhile, the wealth gap grows wider, and the middle class continues to shrink. I believe in policies that ensure every person who works hard can afford a home, pay their bills, and build a better future, because prosperity should not be reserved for the few at the top.
• We must invest in our communities, our schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and local economies, so that every person has the tools and opportunities to thrive. When we strengthen our communities, we strengthen the foundation of our democracy and build a future that works for everyone, not just the powerful few.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I’m passionate about restoring integrity to our democracy and ending the corrupting influence of money in politics. I believe government should serve people, not corporations or special interests. I care deeply about rebuilding the middle class, addressing the cost-of-living crisis, and ensuring every working family can live with dignity. I’m also committed to investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure, when we strengthen our communities, we strengthen the nation as a whole.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

I believe the most important characteristics for any elected official are courage, temperance, wisdom, and justice. Courage to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s not popular. Temperance to remain grounded and humble while wielding power. Wisdom to listen, learn, and make decisions guided by truth and reason. And justice, to ensure fairness and equality for all, not just the privileged few.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a member of Congress is to represent the people, not special interests, not lobbyists, and not party elites. An elected official should listen to their constituents, fight for fairness and opportunity, and ensure that every decision made in Washington reflects the needs and values of the people back home. It is also their duty to uphold the Constitution, protect democracy, and serve with honesty, transparency, and accountability.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I care little for legacy. What matters most to me is leaving behind a preserved democracy, a system that works for the people, not against them, and an understanding that we must quit fighting one another and focus on progress for the human race.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember is the September 11th attacks. I was 12 at the time, but I still remember how deeply it affected the country and how it brought people together in a way I’ll never forget. That moment remains one of the clearest memories from my early life.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My first job was in masonry, and I started when I was still in high school. It was brutally hard work, and it gave me a great deal of respect for all of those out there working so hard every day to keep our country moving forward.

What is your favorite book? Why?

George Orwell’s 1984. It's warning about the dangers of unchecked government power, the erosion of truth, and the manipulation of public perception. It resonates deeply today as we see mass surveillance, control through technology, and the constant shaping of public opinion. It’s a reminder of how vital it is to protect our individual freedoms and defend truth in a world where both are under pressure.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Aragorn from The Lord of the Rings. He never sought power for himself but stepped forward when his people needed him. He led with courage, humility, and a sense of duty to others, qualities I believe every true leader should have.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of my biggest struggles has been watching how hard working people can do everything right and still fall behind because the system is tilted against them. It’s what motivates me to fight for fairness, opportunity, and real change for everyday Americans.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The House of Representatives is unique because it’s the chamber closest to the people. Members have to earn the trust of their communities every two years, which keeps them accountable and connected to the voters they serve. It’s meant to reflect the voices, struggles, and values of everyday Americans, making it the part of government most directly tied to the people.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely not. I believe people in office are much more effective when they’ve walked in the shoes of everyday Americans. Real leadership comes from understanding the struggles, hopes, and challenges that ordinary people face, not from years spent in political circles.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I believe the greatest challenges facing our nation over the next decade are growing division, extreme wealth inequality, and rapid advancements in technology that have the potential to leave many Americans behind. If we don’t address these issues with wisdom and fairness, we risk deepening the gaps between communities and classes. Our future depends on unity, opportunity, and ensuring progress benefits everyone.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

In short, yes. Two years is the right term length because it keeps representatives accountable to the people they serve.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I believe term limits for members of Congress are important, but they’re only part of the solution. Without addressing the deeper problem of corruption and the outsized influence of special interests and lobbyists, term limits alone will make little difference. Real reform requires restoring integrity, transparency, and accountability to our political system.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I recently spoke to a couple in our district who were trying to buy their first home. On two different occasions, they were outbid by large investment institutions. The fact that this can happen is shameful, and it must end. Working families should never have to compete with corporate investors just to have a place to call home.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Necessary, yes. Desirable, not always. But we must make collective agreements as a nation so that we can move forward.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Constitution gives the House the power to originate all bills for raising revenue because it’s the chamber closest to the people. That responsibility means making sure taxpayer dollars are used wisely and fairly. If elected, I would use that power to prioritize the middle class, working families, and small businesses, not the wealthy and well-connected. Every dollar raised and spent should serve the people.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The House should use its investigative powers responsibly and without political bias. Oversight is one of Congress’s most important duties, but it should always serve the people, not party interests. Investigations should focus on uncovering corruption, waste, and abuse of power, no matter who’s responsible. The goal should always be truth, transparency, and protecting the public trust.

Candidates hear many personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching or memorable?

I spoke recently with a man who had spent his life harvesting tobacco. As he got older and could no longer perform the hard physical work, the system simply discarded him. It was heartbreaking to hear. No one who has given their life to building this country should ever feel forgotten or left behind. His only desire now is that his grandson has a real opportunity to make it in this world.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

I’m proud that I’ve stayed true to myself through struggles and trials, that I’ve followed my inner voice without compromising, simply to make things easier. I’m also proud that I’ve built a business from the ground up. It took long hours, sacrifice, and determination, but it taught me the value of persistence and responsibility, and it gave me a deep respect for the struggles that small business owners and working families face every day.

What role should the United States government have in the development or use of artificial intelligence?

The United States government should play a significant role in the development and use of artificial intelligence. AI is going to dominate our future, and the power it holds should not rest solely in the hands of profit-driven corporations. That would be dangerous for humanity itself. We must ensure AI is developed responsibly, ethically, and in ways that serve people, not exploit them.

What legislation would you enact related to election administration in the United States?

I would support legislation that ensures secure, accessible, and transparent elections, through paper ballots, modernized registration, fair campaign finance laws, and support for local election administrators. Our democracy works best when voting is easy and elections are trustworthy.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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Colby Watson campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2026*	U.S. House North Carolina District 8	On the Ballot primary	$15,626	$13,621
Grand total			$15,626	$13,621
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Election Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

See also

2026 Elections

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Candidate

U.S. House North Carolina District 8

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Footnotes

[show]

North Carolina's current delegation to the United States Congress

Senators

Ted Budd (R)

Thom Tillis (R)

Representatives

District 1

Donald Davis (D)

District 2

Deborah Ross (D)

District 3

Gregory Murphy (R)

District 4

Valerie Foushee (D)

District 5

Virginia Foxx (R)

District 6

Addison McDowell (R)

District 7

David Rouzer (R)

District 8

Mark Harris (R)

District 9

Richard Hudson (R)

District 10

Pat Harrigan (R)

District 11

Chuck Edwards (R)

District 12

Alma Adams (D)

District 13

Brad Knott (R)

District 14

Timothy Moore (R)

Republican Party (12)

Democratic Party (4)