Gov. Pat McCrory concedes NC governor race to Roy Cooper

UPDATE (1:09 p.m.): N.C. GOP Chairperson Robin Hayes released a statement on Gov. McCrory's concession, praising McCrory's tax reform and job creation efforts.

"His record on job creation is unmatched, as North Carolina's jobless rate moved from one of the worst in the nation to among the best," the statement said. "The governor's leadership on infrastructure and energy will pay dividends for years to come as our citizens drive to work, heat their homes, educate their children and enjoy our states beauty from Manteo to Murphy."

Equality North Carolina Executive Director Chris Sgro said McCrory's concession is a proud moment for LGBTQ people in North Carolina.

"Governor McCrory has finally conceded, and now it is time for the state and people of North Carolina to get on with our business of rebuilding," Sgro said. "Roy Cooper is a champion of equality and for North Carolina values, and he is the right person to lead our great state moving forward."

This is the first time a sitting N.C. governor has lost a re-election bid.

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UPDATE (12:48 p.m.): Roy Cooper released a statement following Gov. Pat McCrory's concession.

"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," Cooper said in the statement. "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."

Governor-Elect Roy Cooper released the following statement on Governor Pat McCrory’s concession: pic.twitter.com/2nKjCaYY7w

— Roy Cooper (@RoyCooperNC) December 5, 2016

Cooper said in the statement he will invest in schools and support working families.

"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," Cooper said.

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In a video statement released Monday, Gov. Pat McCrory conceded the North Carolina gubernatorial race to Roy Cooper. Almost four weeks after Election Day, Roy Cooper stands 10,263 votes ahead of McCrory.

"Being the 74th governor of North Carolina has been a privilege and an honor, but during this wonderful season, it's also time to celebrate our democratic process and respect what I see to be the ultimate outcome of the closest North Carolina governor's race in modern history," 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."

The race was stalled waiting for recounts from several counties, including Durham.

McCory said he will focus on relief efforts for recent natural disasters in his remaining time.

"During my remaining weeks as governor, this team will be focusing on developing a financial plan to be approved in a special legislative session to help our citizens and communities impacted by Hurricane Matthew and by the current wildfires in the western region of our state," he said.

McCrory asked citizens to pray for Cooper as well as President-elect Donald Trump, and asked for respect.

"I encourage everyone, now more than ever, to respect our public servants, and the offices they were elected to hold," he said.

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