Lynda Bennett, a former North Carolina congressional candidate, received 12 months probation and a $7,600 fine for a campaign finance violation. The sentencing, handed down by Judge Christopher Cooper in U.S. District Court in Washington, stems from Bennett's acceptance of a loan from a family member during her unsuccessful 2020 Republican primary campaign for the 11th Congressional District seat.

Bennett pleaded guilty in March to accepting contributions under another person's name. Court documents reveal that Bennett borrowed $25,000 from a family member in late 2019, claiming it was for personal expenses. Shortly after, she transferred $80,000, including the borrowed amount, into her campaign account. Instead of disclosing the source of the $25,000, she reported the entire $80,000 as a personal loan.

The prosecution's sentencing memorandum argued for probation, highlighting Bennett's otherwise law-abiding history. Bennett's lawyer expressed her satisfaction with the outcome and her desire to move forward.

Bennett, a real estate agent, ran against several other Republicans, including Madison Cawthorn, who ultimately won the 2020 general election. Bennett had received endorsements from former Rep. Mark Meadows, whose wife was a friend of Bennett's, and later from former President Donald Trump.