21-year-old college student Wyatt Gable has clinched a victory in North Carolina’s Republican primary, unseating long-time State House Representative George Cleveland.
Gable, who is currently pursuing his bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University, secured 50.98% of the Republican vote, narrowly edging out Cleveland who got 49.02%.
This political upset has sent ripples through the state’s political establishment, as Cleveland, an 84-year-old former Marine Corps drill instructor, was vying for his 11th term. His tenure in office since 2005 has been marked by a focus on personal freedom, low taxes, and fostering a business-friendly climate. Under his watch, the state has achieved top business ratings and financial stability.
Wyatt Gable, on the other hand, represents a new generation eager to inject fresh perspectives into the Republican Party. His recent high school graduation gives him a unique insight into the public education system, and his role as president of the Turning Point USA chapter at his university has also provided him with experience in conservative activism.
When speaking to The Daily News (NC) about what his platform is set to bring, he said,
“For education, we need to return to teaching home economics, hands-on classes like carpentry, history, and prioritizing physical education. Mental and physical health quality plummet when there is no athletic participation”.
The young candidate’s campaign resonated with voters seeking change, as he advocated for addressing the lack of high-paying jobs and reforming education. He attributed his success to his hard work and the grassroots efforts of his team.
“I just think it came down to people wanting a fresh set of ideas. It took a lot of hard work by me and my team. A lot of doors were knocked, and phone calls were made.”
To FOX & Friends, he also talked about facing the Chinese treat and Government spending
“The Chinese Communist Party owns thousands of acres in North Carolina, so I want to use eminent domain to buy that all back. And then just smart spending. We spend way too much money as a federal government and as a state government. So we need to rein that in, so we can lower our taxes.”
Wyatt Gable’s win is proof to the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party, where a call for new ideas and approaches is becoming increasingly prevalent. Now he will be preparing to face Democrat Carmen Spicer in the November general election for North Carolina’s District 14 seat.
