Following redistricting shake up Congressman Richard Hudson reintroduces himself to Randolph community
Dean-Paul Stephens
The Courier-Tribune
March 14, 2022
Increased cost of living, redistricting, and the ongoing conflict in Europe were on District 9 Representative
Richard Hudson’s mind, as he toured his Congressional district, Friday, meeting with local officials.
First elected to Congress in 2013, Hudson said he wanted to spend the day reacquainting himself with his district following recent redistricting changes. Under the current district maps, Hudson, who is the incumbent, will face off against challengers Mike Andriani, Jennyfer Bucardo, and Francisco Rios during the May 17 primaries. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Ben Clark in the general election, currently scheduled for Nov. 8.
“I’m thrilled the new…district I’m seeking to represent will also include Randolph County,” Hudson said. “My first two terms in Congress I represented Randolph County, well part of Randolph County at the time. I really got to know this community, there are great folks here and I’m thrilled to be able to earn the votes of the people here again.”
Hudson said that although he, like his conservative colleagues, was not happy with the Supreme Court’s rejection of Republican-drawn maps, he said he is happy to be back in the Randolph community and wants to avail himself to locals.
“I really feel like I understand these communities,” Hudson said adding that he is impressed with the ongoing economic development but is concerned with the impact gas prices and inflation is having on average residents.
“I understand the pain you’re feeling, it’s real,” Hudson said. “When you go to the pump when you go to the grocery store, I think the average food cost in Randolph County [has increased] and that’s real.”
Hudson said, in regards to inflation, both parties could be blamed.
“We spent too much too when we were in charge,” Hudson said. “I think that spike you’re seeing [in inflation] is caused by overspending in Washington.”
Speaking about gas prices Hudson said there are ways to reduce them, such as increasing stateside production.
“I learned a tool, it’s a very simple concept of supply and demand,” Hudson said. “You’ve got a lot of demand and if you don’t have a lot of supply the price will go up.”
He said seeking energy independence will have a lasting impact, on both the country and the pocketbooks of regular citizens.
“I’m…beyond thrilled to be able to be their congressman again,” Hudson said. “I believe to be your representative, I need to know you and you need to know me.”