We began this campaign with real hope — hope that restoring sanity, decency, and accountability to Washington is not only necessary, but possible. As the petition effort began to take shape, Michelle and I started a statewide trip to meet supporters face-to-face. We were grateful to spend time with people in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Asheboro, Cary, Apex, Winston-Salem, and beyond as part of our three-week statewide tour across North Carolina.
In early December, an unexpected and urgent health matter arose within our family here in Southport. We immediately returned home, and sadly, we lost a very dear family member at the start of the new year.
After a great deal of thought, I have decided to discontinue the petition drive. With the time lost and the realities of the 80,000-plus signature requirement for an Independent candidate, there simply isn’t enough time remaining to complete the process responsibly.
I’m sorry I can’t reach each of you personally — there are far too many people I would want to thank one-on-one. Please know this decision was not made lightly. I’m deeply moved by what so many of you offered in such a short time, and I’m confident you’ll understand the choice to put family first.
This is not an ending — just a pause.
With sincere gratitude,
Mike Henry
