RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) -- Pat McCrory will be the first Republican governor in North Carolina in 20 years.
Unofficial results show McCrory won the governor's race on Tuesday over Democrat Walter Dalton.
The former Charlotte mayor had 55 percent of the vote compared to Dalton -- the sitting lieutenant governor -- at 43 percent with 2.2 million votes counted. Libertarian Barbara Howe had less than 2 percent.
McCrory is the former Charlotte mayor who ran unsuccessfully against Democrat Beverly Perdue in 2008.
Perdue didn't seek re-election this year, setting the stage for McCrory. McCrory benefited from a repeat run for governor and a sizeable cash advantage over Dalton.
Jim Martin was the last Republican governor, leaving office in 1993. McCrory will take the oath of office in January.
Governor Perdue released the following statement Tuesday evening:
“Bob and I would like to congratulate Pat McCrory on his election as North Carolina’s next governor. We spoke briefly this evening by phone and I offered him my full assistance in his transition to our state’s highest office. I have instructed my staff and administration to work closely with members of the governor-elect’s team to help ensure a smooth transition. I would like to thank Walter Dalton for his years of service to his community and state.
Tonight, I ask all North Carolinians to come together, put the acrimony behind us, and work with Governor-elect McCrory to move North Carolina forward.”
