U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx (R-5) gained a primary challenger this past week after Alexander County resident Keith Gardner filed for a seat that's expected to be coveted prize for both Democrats and Republicans.
Gardner owns Admin On Call Inc., a medical-practice management firm in Hickory.

Whoever wins will likely face Democratic challenger Billy Kennedy, a Watauga County farmer and radio host. So far, no other candidate has filed as the Friday deadline draws closer.