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North Carolina Gov. McCrory concedes he lost re-election bid

DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory conceded the governor’s race Monday, clearing the way for Democrat Roy Cooper to be declared the winner nearly four weeks after Election Day.

The win by Cooper, the state’s outgoing attorney general, gives Democrats an important consolation prize after a disappointing election across the country. However, Republicans retain super majorities in both legislative chambers.

In a video message from his office posted to YouTube, McCrory said, “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.”

McCrory, who became the first sitting North Carolina governor elected to a four-year term to lose a re-election bid, was weighed down by a series of divisive laws he signed, including House Bill 2.

That law limited LGBT rights and directed transgender people to use restrooms in schools and government buildings corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates. It led to companies, sports organizations and entertainers pulling their business from the state, costing hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in spending.

With appeals drying up and postelection counts padding Cooper’s narrow lead, McCrory announced he was giving up after Durham County elections workers were nearing completion of a state-ordered recount of 94,000 votes there after technical troubles on election night related to tabulation machines.

County elections board chairman William Brian said the updated tally from the recount confirmed almost exactly the original totals.

McCrory, who won the office by a comfortable margin four years ago, was unable to generate the same voter support that lifted Republicans Donald Trump and Richard Burr to victory in the state.

Unofficial results at the State Board of Elections showed Cooper leading McCrory by slightly more than the 10,000 votes needed to avoid an automatic recount. The state board still must officially certify the results, likely this Friday.

A total of 4.7 million votes were cast in a race national Democrats saw as their best chance to flip a gubernatorial seat. Nearly $35 million was spent on broadcast TV ads in the campaign overall, according to estimates from the Center for Public Integrity.

In a written statement posted on social media, Cooper praised McCrory for his public service and said he was proud to have received support from “so many who believe that we can come together to make a North Carolina that works for everyone.” He talked up unity following a contentious election season.

Cooper has stated he wants House Bill 2 repealed because he said it promotes discrimination. He had said the law and other legislation McCrory signed has harmed North Carolina’s brand.

Human Rights Campaign President Chad Griffin, whose group invested heavily in electing Cooper, said Monday that “McCrory’s reign of discrimination is finally over.”

In addition to trying to repeal H.B. 2, Cooper has said if elected he would work to halt the state’s recent right-ward slant since Republicans took control of state government this decade

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