One of the lesser-known victors in the nation’s spring’s primary season is a former pastor who served as president of the North Carolina Baptist Convention from 2011-13. In the May 8 Republican primary for the 9th Congressional District, Mark Harris upset a three-term incumbent, Rep. Robert Pittenger. Harris will face Democrat Dan McCready in the November election. 

A political science major at Appalachian State University, Harris had planned to attend law school before sensing God calling him to the ministry. He then earned a master’s and doctoral degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Harris was pastor of Center Grove Baptist in Clemmons and Curtis Baptist in Augusta before becoming senior pastor of First Baptist of Charlotte in 2005. During his tenure, the church completed a $2.6 million building campaign and completed renovations without incurring any debt.

Not everyone is thrilled over the candidacy. Last week, The Insider of Augusta recalled Harris leading successful opposition in 2000 to a restaurant’s alcohol license application, which it said harmed downtown revitalization efforts.

“North Carolinians better carefully consider their vote in the congressional election this November, the publication warned. “Not just for the sake of North Carolina, but for the entire country.”