Politics

McCRORY CONCEDES

Gov. Pat McCrory greets the crowd at the N.C. Apple Festival in 2014.

By Bill Moss, Published: December 5, 2016

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory conceded the election to Democratic challenger Roy Cooper on Monday, ending a contentious monthlong vote-counting process and ushering in a period of divided government in the state for the first time since the Republican sweep in 2012.

“I personally believe that the majority of our citizens have spoken, and we now should do everything we can to support the 75th governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper,” McCrory said in a video his campaign posted around noon after it became clear that a recount of votes in Durham County would not change the outcome. “The McCrory administration team will assist in every way to help the new administration make a smooth transition."

The Republican Governors Association applauded McCrory's service.

“North Carolina is a stronger state thanks to Governor Pat McCrory’s steadfast leadership and fiscal discipline,” RGA Chairman Governor Scott Walker said in a statement. “With over 300,000 jobs created on his watch, 9-year low unemployment, a $450 million budget surplus and $4.4 billion in tax relief, North Carolina is thriving. While we hoped for a different outcome from this very close race, ensuring all of the legal votes that were cast were counted was the right thing to do. As soon as that was done, Governor McCrory respected the will of the voters. The RGA is exceptionally appreciative of Governor McCrory for his strong leadership and enormous accomplishments as governor.”

The liberal Progress NC action was not as kind in its assessment.

“After wasting plenty of time and taxpayer dollars with frivolous complaints and bogus accusations, we are thankful that the McCrory campaign has finally acknowledged Governor-elect Cooper’s victory,” Gerrick Brenner, executive director of the organization, said in a statement. “Now it’s time to move forward and for the General Assembly to start repairing North Carolina’s reputation by repealing HB2, raising teacher pay to the national average and looking out for people instead of polluters. North Carolina voters supported these priorities when they elected Roy Cooper, and it’s time to move North Carolina forward instead of backwards.”