Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre spent $1.9 million to win his eighth-term in the House, defeating Illario Pantano, his Republican challenger who spent $1.2 million according to the Wilmington Star News. Their combined spending of $3.1 million made it the most expensive Congressional race this cycle in North Carolina.

Outside groups also spent heavily in this race, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spent $270,224 on behalf of McIntyre, while the National Republican Congressional Committee spent $390,403 in favor of Pantano. Americans for Prosperity, a 527 group also spent $100,027.00 running ads against McIntyre.