Compiled by Jesse Wood
Nearly a month after the 2016 general election, Gov. Pat McCrory conceded to Governor-elect and current Attorney General Roy Cooper. Since Election Day, Cooper’s lead has grown by about double in the face of challenges from Republicans. Out of more than 4.5 million votes, Cooper’s lead on the night of the election stood at about a 5,000 margin. Now, Cooper’s lead stands at about 10,000.
McCrory released a video message on Monday, which is embedded at the top of this story.
In conceding the race, McCrory said being the 74th president was both a “privilege and an honor” and called on constituents to “celebrate the democratic process and respect what I see as the ultimate outcome,” a Cooper victory.
“Despite continued questions that should be answered regarding the voting process, 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,” said McCrory in the video.
Following McCrory’s concession, Cooper released the following statement:
“I want to thank Governor McCrory and our First Lady Ann McCrory for their service to our state. Kristin and I look forward to working with them and their staff in what I expect will be a smooth transition.
“I’m proud to have received the support from so many who believe that we can come together to make a North Carolina that works for everyone. It will be the honor of my life to serve this great state. While this was a divisive election season, I know still that there is more that unites us than divides us. Together, we can make North Carolina the shining beacon in the South by investing in our schools, supporting working families and building a state that works for everyone. I’d like to thank all of the hardworking families in North Carolina, and I look forward to serving the greatest state in the country as your Governor.”