Trump Rally: Expect Delays During Afternoon Commute Friday

CHARLOTTE, NC — With the midterm election just days away, President Trump is coming to Charlotte Friday for a campaign rally in support of GOP candidate Mark Harris. This means Queen City motorists should be prepared for heavy traffic and possible delays during the afternoon commute, the City of Charlotte said Thursday afternoon.

The campaign rally will be held at the Bojangles’ Coliseum and is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Doors open at 4 p.m.

“Motorists traveling on routes between Charlotte Douglas International Airport - CLT and Bojangles’ Coliseum on Friday should prepare for traffic and delays related to President Donald Trump’s visit to Charlotte,” the city said Thursday. “Some roads will be closed completely for short periods of time during the afternoon commute and again in the evening. Anyone traveling in the area during those times – including Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) riders – is asked to plan accordingly.”

This is Trump’s second GOP campaign rally in Charlotte in as many months. In late August, he attended a GOP fundraiser at Carmel Country Club. That event, which boasted tickets as much as $25,000 each was to raise money for GOP candidates Mark Harris and Rep. Ted Budd, the Charlotte Observer reported.

On a national level, Democrats need to flip 23 Republican-held seats in order to take control of the U.S. House, and one of the races they believe they can do just that is in the Charlotte-metro region. Republican Mark Harris and Democrat Dan McCready are battling to fill North Carolina's 9th District seat, which is currently held by Republican Robert Pittenger, who lost the bid to stay on the ballot during his party's primary election earlier in the year. In a race that's increasingly looking like a toss-up, McCready has reportedly raised $4.3 million for his campaign, compared to Harris' $1.6 million, WFAE reported.

SEE ALSO: 2018 Election: What To Expect On The Mecklenburg County Ballot

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department is expected to open its Command Center Friday in preparation for the presidential visit. According to city officials, further details about Trump’s visit would not be divulged publicly due to security concerns.

This is a developing story and will be updated when more information becomes available.

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PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump addresses the crowd during a rally in support of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) on October 22, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. Cruz, the incumbent, is seeking Senate re-election in a high-profile race against Democratic challenger Beto O'Rourke. (Photo by Loren Elliott/Getty Images)