WASHINGTON, Nov. 7, 2026 — Austin Ayers is a former elected member at large of the North Carolina Republican Party who now advises Republicans in Washington. He said Saturday he is seriously considering a run for office in 2028.
Ayers said several political action committees he worked with during the 2026 general election have encouraged him to run and told him they would back him if he does.
"I spent this cycle up close to races that came down to a few hundred votes, and what I kept hearing from voters was that they want to trust the count," Ayers said. "2028 is going to decide a lot about where this country goes. If I run, it's because I think I can help make sure every legal vote counts and every voter believes the result."
Ayers said election integrity would be the center of any campaign, including voter ID, accurate and up-to-date voter rolls, and full access for poll watchers from both parties.
Rooted in Butler
Ayers was born in Butler, Pennsylvania, where President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt on July 13, 2024.
"Butler is home," Ayers said. "What happened there that day hit a lot of us hard. Corey Comperatore was a great guy, just a few fire departments over from where I served. Politics isn't a game. The people who keep showing up for this country deserve leaders who show up for them."
Grassroots in North Carolina
Ayers served the North Carolina Republican Party as member at large for the 3rd Congressional District and on the party's State Executive Committee. In 2025, he launched a campaign for the U.S. House in North Carolina's 3rd Congressional District.
His online audience grew quickly during that campaign. In one two-week span, his posts reached more than 35 million accounts across social media, an audience he says would be central to a 2028 bid.
"Eastern North Carolina taught me how to campaign," Ayers said. "This campaign would be different, though. I wouldn't be trying to unseat a Republican incumbent this time."
Expanding to New York City
Ayers recently expanded his work to New York City with the launch of NYCAlert.ai, a digital platform that lets journalists and public safety buffs follow FDNY and NYPD incidents in real time across all five boroughs.
"It's the city that never sleeps," Ayers said. "Now you can see it at your fingertips."
Ayers said he expects to decide on a 2028 run by summer 2027. Until then, he will continue advising Republican candidates and organizations in Washington.
About Austin Ayers
Austin Ayers is a former elected representative of the North Carolina Republican Party who now serves Republicans in Washington as a political advisor, strategic political analyst and commentator. He served as member at large for the 3rd Congressional District and on the party's State Executive Committee. He is a former candidate for the U.S. House and the president and CEO of Rackifi. Learn more at austinayers.gop.
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