North Carolina House Candidate Sues PAC Over Gambling Ad

Charles Taylor, a Republican member of the Sanford City Council, has filed a lawsuit against a political action committee over a campaign advertisement that he says falsely links him to an illegal gambling operation. Taylor is running in Tuesday's election for a seat in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Taylor, who has served in local government for nearly two decades, described the ad as a smear piece. The lawsuit centers on the ad's allegation that he had connections to an unlawful gambling enterprise, a claim Taylor denies.

The race has drawn attention in part because of the gambling angle. In October, a gambling news outlet reported on a suspected illegal gambling matter that relates to the allegation, though the specifics of that report were not detailed in the announcement of the lawsuit.

The PAC behind the ad has not been named publicly in the initial coverage of the lawsuit. Taylor's legal action appears aimed at addressing the damage he says the ad could cause to his campaign in the final days before the vote.

This is a developing story, and further details about the lawsuit, including the identity of the PAC and any court filings, may emerge as the case proceeds. Election officials and observers are watching the race as voters head to the polls on Tuesday.