A top House Democrat said North Carolina needs to resolve allegations of voter fraud before Republican Mark Harris can join Congress.
Incoming Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer of Maryland said Tuesday that a "very substantial question" about fraud exists. Unofficial ballot totals show Harris, a Baptist minister, leading Democrat Dan McCready, an Iraq War veteran, by 905 votes. Hoyer said he hopes state officials "get to the bottom" of the controversy and that Harris is "not eligible for being sworn into the House" at this point.
State election officials have refused to certify the results amid allegations of voter irregularities involving mail-in ballots. The elections board has said it will hold a hearing on the allegations on or before Dec. 21. The board can call for a new election if it finds problems.
Hoyer was discussing whether the House Administration Committee, which has some authority over determining the propriety of elections, will get involved.
