CQ Risk Rating: Democrat Favored 
| GENERAL ELECTION: NOVEMBER 7, 2000 |
|
| Melvin Watt (D) | 135,570 | 65% |
| Joshua "Chad" Mitchell (R) | 69,596 | 33% |
| Anna Lyon (LIBERT) | 3,978 | 2% |
| PRIMARY ELECTION: MAY 2, 2000 |
|
| | Votes | Percentage | | Democratic |
| Melvin Watt | Unopposed |
| | Republican |
| Joshua "Chad" Mitchell | 4,734 | 41% |
| John Cosgrove | 4,629 | 40% |
| Leonard D. Plyler | 2,195 | 19% |
Source: Congressional Quarterly. To suggest updates and corrections: politics.feedback@cq.com
Major Industry | Population | Cities | People | Race | Median Household Income | Unusual Features
NORTH CAROLINA 12
:
Central - Parts of Charlotte, Winston-Salem and Kannapolis
Although the shape of the 12th was changed drastically in court-ordered
redistricting, completed for the election that began the 106th Congress, it
is still a predominantly urban, Democratic district.
The old 12th twisted through the rolling hills of the central part of
the state to take in many of the black communities lining Interstate 85,
creating a 160-mile long district that was 57 percent black. Along with
losing its snake-like shape, the new 12th also lost the cities of Durham,
Greensboro and Gastonia. The district now is pinned by central Winston-Salem
to the north and the downtown and black sections of Charlotte, the state's
largest metropolitan area, to the south.
Between these cities, the district takes in many burgeoning bedroom
communities, as well as several small towns and textile-driven Lexington
(also known for its barbecue). The added suburban flavor has lowered the
number of registered Democrats by 12 percent. While the district can still
be counted on to vote for Democrats on the federal and state level, it leans
Republican in local races. The rural areas of Rowan and Davidson counties
are particularly strong pockets of conservatism.
Charlotte's economy is booming. Having what it claims to be the largest
banking district next to Wall Street has made it a major player. The airport
has also become a hub, attracting transportation and shipping companies. The
health care industry also is on the rise.
Major Industry
Finance, transportation, health care
Population
552,467 (1990)
Cities
Charlotte (pt.), 232,929; Winston-Salem (pt.), 58,602; Kannapolis (pt.),
8,476 (1990)
People
72% urban; 12% age 65+ (ranks seventh of 12 in state; middle third
nationally) (1990)
Race
63% white, 36% black, 1% Asian; 1% Hispanic origin (1990)
Median Household Income
Not available for this newly redrawn district.
Unusual Features
Tom Clark known for his extensive gnome museum in Davidson - he carves
statues of the small, dwarf-like creatures who supposedly live in the earth
and guard its treasures; Evangelist Billy Graham born and reared in
Charlotte; a parkway named for him runs through the 12th.
Source: Congressional Quarterly (Updated April 1999)
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District 12
