NORTH CAROLINA -- The field of candidates interested in the vacant 9th District seat is growing. There are now four Republican candidate hopefuls.

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This includes Stevie Rivenbark, a full time mother from Fayetteville who works in healthcare management, David Blackwelder, a Raleigh police officer, Union County commissioner Stony Rushing and former Mecklenburg County commissioner Matthew Ridenhour

Instead of running again, Mark Harris endorsed Rushing.

The winner will take on Democrat Dan McCready. A recent poll puts McCready 4 points ahead of any Republican running.  Primaries are scheduled for May 14.

The period for candidates to file to run in the 9th District special election begins March 11 and runs thru March 15.