New polling shows Kimberly Hardy surging against Rouzer

NCDP Press Release

New Polling Shows NC-07 Congressional Race in Dead Heat; Dr. Kimberly Hardy Surges Against Incumbent

Raleigh, NC — The momentum in North Carolina’s Congressional NC-07 race has shifted decisively, as new data from Public Policy Polling reveals that challenger Dr. Kimberly Hardy is within six points of incumbent David Rouzer. This surge signals the most significant electoral challenge Rouzer has faced since his initial election in 2014 here is a growing voter mandate for change in who they want to represent them in Washington, and it’s not David “Do Nothing” Rouzer.

The survey, conducted August 19-20, 2026, among 517 district voters, reveals that Rouzer’s support has dipped to 49% in a head-to-head matchup. Crucially, the data shows that among voters familiar with Dr. Hardy’s platform and community-focused campaign, the race is effectively a statistical dead heat, trailing by only two points.

Dr. Hardy, a social worker, professor, and dedicated community advocate, has built her campaign on direct engagement—a sharp contrast to the incumbent’s record of absenteeism. While Dr. Hardy has completed two rigorous “Eight Counties in Eight Days” town hall tours, raised funds for communities in need, and hosted free grocery giveaways for hundreds of families in the community; the incumbent has notably failed to hold a single public event in the district in almost a decade.

“The people of Southeast North Carolina have spoken, and these results prove they are tired of the status quo,” said Dr. Hardy. “My opponent has become an invisible Washington insider, disconnected from the daily struggles of our neighbors. While he remains absent, my campaign is focused on real, tangible solutions to the high costs of groceries, healthcare, gas, and power bills that are hurting our families.”

North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton emphasized the significance of this poll: “Voters are choosing a candidate who shows up and listens. Dr. Hardy is gaining ground because she is fighting for the resources this district needs to succeed. It is time to retire an incumbent who has prioritized laziness and partisan extremism over the people he was elected to serve.”

The Hardy campaign’s grassroots momentum is evident, particularly among younger voters (18-45), where Dr. Hardy leads with 50% of the vote. As the election approaches, the campaign is scaling its outreach efforts to reach the remaining undecided voters and communicate a clear vision for economic opportunity and community health.

“The era of complacent, absent representation is coming to an end,” added Dr. Hardy. “We are ready to bring professional, proactive problem-solving to Washington on behalf of the people of southeastern North Carolina.”

Below are Some Key Facts and Data Points from the Public Policy Polling survey regarding Dr. Kimberly Hardy in North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District Race:Polling on Voter Sentiment and FavorabilityStrong Base Support: In a head-to-head matchup, Dr. Hardy earns 43% of the vote.

Demographic Strengths:

Age: She leads among voters aged 18-45 with 50% of the vote.

Education: Among voters with a 4-year college degree, her favorability reaches 22%, and among those with post-graduate degrees, it is 21%.

Race: She maintains 19% favorability among White voters, and has strong support among African-American voters, receiving 77% in a head-to-head matchup.

Party Affiliation: Dr. Hardy has the support of 85% of registered Democrats in a head-to-head matchup.

Gender Strength: Dr. Hardy leads among female voters in a head-to-head matchup with 49% support compared to Rouzer's 41%. 

Education Leadership: In a head-to-head matchup, Dr. Hardy leads among highly educated voters, capturing 52% of support among those with a 4-year college degree and 53% among those with post-graduate degrees.

Bipartisan Appeal: In a head-to-head matchup, Dr. Hardy has the support of 12% of Republicans in NC-07, compared to just 6% of Democrats who support Rouzer.

Consolidated Base: She maintains exceptionally high loyalty among 2024 Kamala Harris voters, with 92% supporting her in a head-to-head matchup against Rouzer.

Polling Momentum: Her campaign is effectively a statistical dead heat (trailing by only two points) among voters familiar with her platform.

About Dr. Kimberly Hardy:

Dr. Kimberly Hardy is a social worker, professor and community advocate committed to bringing professional problem-solving and proactive representation to the people of Southeast North Carolina. Her platform focuses on expanding economic opportunity, improving community health, and ensuring that every constituent has a voice in Washington.

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Visit https://www.kimberlyhardyforcongress.com/ to learn more about Dr. Hardy and to donate to her campaign.