RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A candidate for the Republican nomination in a still-vacant North Carolina congressional seat is suing the GOP after being barred from debates and access to internal party data. Republicans call him a Democratic plant.

Candidate Chris Anglin of Raleigh said Monday he wants a state court to force the state GOP to give him access to benefits provided nine others in the 9th congressional district field.

The state GOP didn't comment Monday. Its leaders noted previously Anglin was a registered Democrat before running for state Supreme Court as a Republican. The incumbent Republican lost that court seat to a Democrat last year.

The May 14 congressional primary election was ordered after an operative working for the Republican who appeared to win last year's election was accused of illegally handling mail-in ballots.