ASHEVILLE, N.C. — A Republican primary runoff is likely this spring for the U.S. House seat in western North Carolina being vacated by GOP Rep. Mark Meadows.
The GOP primary for the 11th Congressional District has concluded with no candidate getting more than the 30% of votes needed to win outright.
Lynda Bennett, who had just over 20,000 votes, was leading with only 23% of the vote. The second-place finisher will have to officially ask for the May 12 runoff.
The ultimate nominee will take on Democrat Moe Davis, who won his party’s primary.
Meadows announced in December that he wouldn’t seek reelection, hinting at a future job with President Donald Trump.
Meadows has represented North Carolina's 11th congressional district since 2013.
He has been an advocate for the president, defending the president during the impeachment hearings and during the Mueller investigation.
The 11th District remains a Republican-leaning seat despite recent redistricting.
The North Carolina congressman and top ally to President Trump said he struggled with his decision to not seek re-election. He said he came to his decision after discussion with his family, including his wife and two children.
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