McDowell now uncontested in North Carolina House race after ex-Rep. Walker declines runoff
A former North Carolina representative who finished second in last week’s primary for what was essentially his old U.S. House seat has declined to participate in a runoff, joining Donald Trump’s campaign instead
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A former North Carolina representative who finished second in last week's primary for essentially his old U.S. House seat announced on Wednesday that he won't ask for a runoff and will join Donald Trump's campaign instead.
Ex-U.S. Rep. Mark Walker, who served in Congress for six years through 2020, ran for the central North Carolina 6th District seat this year.
The top vote-getter in the six-candidate March 5 Republican primary, the Trump-endorsed Addison McDowell, failed to pass the 30% vote margin needed to avoid a May 14 runoff. But state law said it was up to Walker to formally ask for the runoff.
A campaign spokesperson confirmed that Walker will not request a runoff, meaning that McDowell will be the primary winner and almost assuredly the next 6th District representative, since he will face no Democratic opposition this fall.
