Michael Whatley campaign rally features prayer by convicted sex offender

A registered sex offender, Pastor Daimon L. King, delivered an opening prayer at a campaign rally for Republican Senate nominee Michael Whatley in North Carolina. Court records indicate King has been twice sentenced to prison for convictions involving children.

The incident occurred during a high-stakes Senate race that could determine control of the chamber. Whatley’s campaign spokesperson, DJ Griffin, stated that the campaign did not plan or organize the event and did not invite King, noting he was invited by the hosts, the Craven County Republican Party.

The controversy potentially impacts Whatley’s campaign strategy, which focuses on criticizing Democratic opponent Roy Cooper regarding crime issues. This follows previous scrutiny regarding Whatley’s association with another convicted sex offender, former GOP official Harvey L. West Jr.