Dr. Kyle Horton to challenge for seat now held by Rouzer

SOUTHEASTERN N.C. -- Kure Beach physician Dr. Kyle Horton has announced her intention to run for the U.S. House of Representatives seat held by two-term U.S. Rep. David Rouzer, R-N.C.

“I’ve cared for my patients. I’ve fought for veterans. Now I’m ready to answer the call to find real solutions for regular working people in my district," she said in a statement.

Horton, a graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington who went on to earn her medical degree at Wright State University, has been a prominent activist in the Wilmington area for the past few years. She recently spearheaded several events, including a Valentine's Day demonstration at the Wilmington office of U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., where about 100 people asked that he not vote to repeal the Affordable Care Act.

"If elected to Congress, I will work across party lines to make sure that our citizens can earn a living wage, have affordable healthcare and that our public schools are strong to prepare our kids for employment," she said in a release.

Horton began her career as a primary care physician at Hunter Homes McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Richmond, Virginia, and has worked to advocate for suicide prevention programs for veterans, according to her statement.

Horton is a registered Democrat, according to New Hanover County voter registration records.

No other candidates, including Rouzer, have announced their plans for the 2018 election.

Reporter Tim Buckland can be reached at 910-343-2217 or Tim.Buckland@StarNewsOnline.com.