CQPolitics

The 8th connects the worlds of eastern and western North Carolina, spanning from Charlotte in the west to military-dominated Fayetteville in the east. This is a district split along geographic, economic and political lines. Charlotte adds a distinctly urban component to an otherwise predominately suburban and rural district.

Cabarrus, a fast-growing county north of Charlotte, and Cumberland, which includes the 8th’s share of Fayetteville, are the district’s most-populous counties. Cabarrus is largely white and heavily Republican. Cumberland is more politically competitive.

In Mecklenburg County, which includes Charlotte and is the 8th’s third major population center, the district reaches as far west as Memorial Stadium and Independence Park, nearly reaching downtown Charlotte. The 8th’s share of Charlotte is more than one-third black, giving the district’s portion of Mecklenburg a decidedly Democratic lean.

Textile-based economies in the cities along Interstate 85, notably Concord and Kannapolis, have suffered major losses over the past few years as manufacturing jobs have headed overseas. In the east, the 8th becomes poorer and more rural as it reaches into the Sandhills region. This part of the district has a strong military flavor — Fort Bragg (shared with the 2nd and 7th) takes up land in Hoke and Cumberland counties.

The 8th is politically competitive. In 2000 and 2004, George W. Bush took 53 percent and 54 percent of the district’s presidential vote, respectively, while Democrat Michael F. Easley won the district’s gubernatorial vote.

Major Industry

Military, manufacturing, agriculture, livestock

Military Bases

Fort Bragg (Army), 43,003 military, 9,954 civilian (2006) (shared with the 2nd and 7th)

Cities

Charlotte (pt.), 100,756; Concord (pt.), 55,938; Fayetteville (pt.), 51,698

notable

North Carolina Speedway and Rockingham Dragway, known collectively as “The Rock,” can draw 250,000 people to NASCAR races; Fayetteville was home to the original Putt-Putt miniature golf course.