Roy Cooper celebrates victory at rally in Raleigh

After weeks of uncertainty, Governor-elect Roy Cooper celebrated his victory over Gov. Pat McCrory Tuesday night at the McKimmon Center in Raleigh. 

Cooper greeted the crowd of hundreds and began his victory speech by thanking his supporters.

“You know, tonight, it is the greatest honor of my life to stand before you as the governor-elect of our great state,” he said. “It is also humbling, and it has been a long journey for all of us, but we are finally here.”

He thanked McCrory for his public service and said he is confident McCrory is committed to a smooth transition.

“Tonight, we are here to celebrate,” Cooper said. “We celebrate because with this election, we have made decisions about who we are as North Carolinians.”

Cooper's win follows McCrory's concession from the race Monday. The McCrory campaign had raised concerns over voter fraud and had unsuccessfully requested a statewide vote recount.  

The McCrory campaign also requested a vote recount in Durham County, which showed no changes in the results after concerns about irregularities with mail-in absentee ballots.  

Anna Lineback, a speech therapist for Wake County public schools who attended the event, said Cooper's victory means a lot for her and other education professionals. 

"McCrory’s really hurt a lot of the teachers that I’m working with," she said. "So, I really feel like Cooper will be huge advocate for our schools, our state and for teachers and all state employees.”

Melvin Williams, another attendee of the event, said he wanted to see the governor-elect speak and hear Cooper's vision for the state's future. 

"I am looking forward to working for him and alongside him to move the state forward," he said. 

Williams said Cooper will include everyone in his policy and represent the people's interests. 

"He understands the values that we have in back eastern North Carolina with family, education and looking out for your neighbors," he said. 

During his speech, Cooper reflected on how his family inspired him during the campaign.

“I want our three daughters to know that when I was working as Attorney General or on the campaign trail late at night, I thought of you and the North Carolina I want for you,” Cooper said. “And that kept me going.”

Cooper said his goals are to build a strong economy while improving air and water quality, increase the quality of public education and remove discrimination in the state. 

He said he hopes his efforts as governor will help improve North Carolina's reputation. 

"Enjoy tonight, for tomorrow we get to work."

Staff Writer Rob Gourley contributed reporting. 

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