RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Fresh off a strong debate performance Wednesday night, Florida Sen. Marco Rubio is planning a campaign stop in Charlotte on Monday.

Rubio will hold a "meet and greet" at Rooster's Wood-Fired Kitchen. There is no charge to attend.

Rubio also will be part of a fundraising event at the home of one of NASCAR's most influential players: Felix Sabates.

Candidate Jeb Bush stopped in Wake County just a few days ago, and Democrat Bernie Sanders held a rally in Greensboro last Sunday.

Political watchers expect North Carolina to be a battleground state once in 2016.