Allen Thomas Wins Democratic Primary; Republicans Likely Headed for Runoff
Democrat Allen Thomas won his party’s nomination in Tuesday’s special primary election for the U.S. House of Representatives seat of the late Rep. Walter B. Jones, but a special runoff election is likely in the future for Republicans to determine their candidate for the general election.
Rep. Greg Murphy, a Greenville surgeon, was at the top of the 17 Republican candidates with 22.5% of the vote, but in races with more than two candidates, the runner-up of the vote total may request a second primary election if the winner received less than 30% of the votes cast for all candidate. That candidate would be Joan Perry, another physician from Kinston, who obtained 15.4% of the Republican vote. If a runoff election proceeds, it will occur on July 9.
The Democratic primary had a clearer winner with former Greenville Mayor Thomas receiving 12,912 (50%) of total votes, and second place Richard brew receiving 6.511 (25.22%) of the votes.
In the Libertarian vote, Tim Harris beat Shannon W. Bray with 55.97% or 75 votes.
Roughly 14% of registered voters in the U.S. House of Representatives District 3 voted in the special primary election, and if there is a second special runoff election for the GOP primary, the general election for the seat will be held on September 10.
Republican Primary Results:
Democratic Primary Results:
