The 9th Congressional District
The 9th Congressional District is located in the middle of North Carolina, called the Piedmont, and is composed of parts of Gaston, Mecklenburg, and Union Counties (see map below). Rep. Myrick has served as the Member of Congress for this district since 1995. The area contains some of the most beautiful land and most friendly people you will find anywhere in America.
The 9th District covers all of Gaston County except for the cites of Cherryville and Kings Mountain in the western part of the county. Gastonia, the county seat, contains the main bulk of the population of Gaston County. However, with I-485 (the Charlotte Outer-Belt) extending out into Gaston County, communities in the eastern part of the county around the Belmont and Mt. Holly area are growing at substantial rates. Residential growth in these areas is expected to continue as jobs increase. The county has long been one of the largest textile centers in the nation, and serves as the headquarters of the National Council of Textile Organizations. The county is also experiencing a shift in the business environment as different industries come to Gaston to diversify the economy. More manufacturing jobs are being created, as well as a defense cluster. Gastonia is located to the west of Charlotte, NC.
Parts of Mecklenburg County are also in the 9th District. The district covers the southern area of Mecklenburg including Ballantyne, Matthews, South Park, Eastover, and Dilworth up to the outskirts of uptown Charlotte, NC. It also covers the western area of the county and the northern parts including Huntersville and parts of Cornelius. Mecklenburg is home to more than 1.4 million people. It has a very diverse economy, and is home to eight companies in the Fortune 500, including Duke Energy, Sonic Automotive, B.F. Goodrich and Nucor. Charlotte is also the nation’s second largest banking center behind New York. Both Wachovia and Bank of America have their headquarters in Charlotte. Charlotte also has a growing sports market with the Carolina Panthers (NFL), the Charlotte Bobcats (NBA), and the largest NASCAR market in the nation. Mecklenburg County has experienced large growth in both jobs and people over the past two decades, and the growth is not expected to stop anytime soon.
Western Union County is also a part of the 9th District. Cities and town such as Waxhaw, Weddington, Mint Hill, Indian Trail, and Unionville all have their different styles and different attractions but one thing remains; the people are extremely friendly. The people have helped Union County attain the name “Sweet Union.” Union County has a very diverse workforce with many manufacturing companies in the area, as well as a large construction industry. It is also North Carolina’s fastest growing county. Over the last 15 years the county population has increased more than 82% because of low taxes and good schools. Union County is located to the east of Charlotte, NC.
