The results: Congressional races

Last year, Buncombe County was divided between the 11th Congressional District and the 10th Congressional District. This post includes results and information about both races. We’ll update it as we call the races and gather responses from candidates. The winners:

10th Congressional District

Democrat: Patsy Keever (see photo above)

Statehouse Rep. Patsy Keever decisively beat Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy in the 10th District Democratic primary, garnering 58 percent of the vote to Bellamy’s 27 percent. Timothy Murphy fell far behind at 14 percent. Keever tells Xpress that she’s “pleasantly surprised” by the margin of her victory.

“The constituents just feel like my life experience as a county commissioner, as a teacher, all of those things, will provide me with a good background to be able to represent them in this new 10th District,” she says. “I’ve very excited, ready to get to work. … We’re trying to unify everybody. We’re trying to get all the Democrats and unaffiliated people. The people that are unhappy with the way things are going in Washington, who want a change, who are ready for a change. We’re going to be a voice for the people.”

Republican: Patrick McHenry (incumbent)

The McHenry campaign released the following statement in response to his victory over Ken Fortenberry and Don Peterson:

Patrick McHenry overwhelmingly won the Republican primary for the Tenth Congressional District today.  With most precincts in the seven counties reporting completely, McHenry has 73 percent of the total vote against two opponents.  McHenry won every county in the seven county district.
 
“I am humbled by the support of friends both new and old,” said McHenry.  “As we look toward November, I look forward to listening to voters across the 10th district.  I will keep fighting for our values.”
 
McHenry called to congratulate the winner of the Democrat primary, state Representative Patsy Keever.  “I am looking forward to a spirited and substantive debate over the next few months,” he said.  “We have two clearly contrasting visions of America.  This election will represent a choice on taxes, repealing Obamacare, and job creation.  I’m glad to have the opportunity to debate those issues with Representative Keever.”
 
North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District includes most of three counties previously represented in their entirety by McHenry (Catawba, Cleveland, Lincoln), two counties partially represented by McHenry (Rutherford, Gaston), and two counties previously in the 11th District (Polk, and the majority of Buncombe).

11th Congressional District

Democrat: Hayden Rogers

Rogers won 55 percent of the vote, compared to 35 percent for Cecil Bothwell and 15 percent for Tom Hill. Rogers released the following statement in response to his victory: “I am tremendously humbled and honored to have received the Democratic nomination for the 11th Congressional District today. This is just the first step in our effort to continue moving Western North Carolina forward.  Over the coming months I look forward to continuing to share our campaign’s message about the need for leadership in Congress that is practical and committed to finding commonsense solutions to the challenges we face as a nation. While others in this race are trying to pull this country to the right and left, I am committed to moving it forward.”

Republican: Mark Meadows

Meadows had a clear victory over 7 other challengers, but the required 40 percent has apparently has not been met, which means a runoff election will have to be held. At this time Meadows has nearly 38 percent to about 24 percent for his nearest competitor, Vance Patterson. “I am really excited and thankful for all the support, we will see what tomorrow brings,” said Meadows.