NC District 19 Senate race: Incumbent Kirk deViere concedes to opponent Val Applewhite

As election results for the state's District 19 Senate race were still rolling in, incumbent Kirk deViere conceded to opponent Val Applewhite.

DeViere made the announcement on his Twitter account Tuesday night before 9:30 p.m. with a little more than half of Cumberland County voting precincts reporting unofficial results showing Applewhite leading in the polls, according to the state Board of Elections.

The race between deViere and Applewhite, both Democrats, heated up when Gov. Roy Cooper endorsed Applewhite in March.

"The voters have spoken and I fully respect their decision but I am disappointed," deViere's statement read. "I plan to spend some much needed time with my family after this challenging primary race and the long session in Raleigh."

As of 10:15 p.m., the state Board of Elections reported 52 of 52 precincts in Cumberland County had reported their results, with about 86% of the ballots counted. Applewhite had about 56.75% of the vote while deViere had 36.53%. Ed Donaldson, the third Democratic opponent, had 6.72% of the vote, according to unofficial results.

Wesley Meredith led the Republican race for District 19 with 72% of the vote against Dennis Britt, who had 27.92%.

Applewhite released a statement on her projected win at 10:03 p.m. writing, "I am proud to be your next State Senator."

"I want to thank Cumberland County for trusting me to be your voice in Raleigh where I will do everything in my power to deliver results that improve our lives," her statement read. "I’ll work with Governor Cooper to expand Medicaid, raise teacher pay, protect our right to vote, and strengthen our economy so everyone can get a job that pays the bills."

Applewhite, 61, also ran on funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, broadband access and more support for schools. An Air Force veteran, she served on the Fayetteville City Council for three terms beginning in 2007.

"We know what’s at stake," Applewhite said. "Republicans will do everything in their power to overturn Governor Cooper’s veto, which would roll back a woman’s right to choose, weaken our public schools, block thousands from getting the health care they need, and so much more"

Applewhite also thanked deViere in her statement calling him a "steadfast public servant for our community." DeViere said he called Applewhite to congratulate her on her win.

This is a developing story as more election results come in for Cumberland County's Senate District 19.

More: Familiar faces vie for NC Senate District 19 in Cumberland County

More: Voters’ Guide 2022: NC Senate candidates on Medicaid, law enforcement reform, education

Investigative Reporter Kristen Johnson can be reached at kjohnson1@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on The Fayetteville Observer: NC Primary: deViere concedes to Applewhite in District 19 Senate race