Governor McCrory Concedes in 2016 Race

CHARLOTTE, N.C. – North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory has conceded in the 2016 governor election. McCrory gave his thoughts on the outcome and the election process in general in an online message posted to his YouTube channel Monday around noon. McCrory’s decision to concede comes after nearly a month of recounts following a neck-and-neck election between him and Democrat candidate Roy Cooper.

Read: Roy Cooper Issues Statement In Response To Pat McCrory’s Concession

In the video address, a seemingly upbeat Pat McCrory opens with how he and his wife Ann are getting ready for the Christmas holidays and gives thanks for this country’s freedoms and for those that fight to protect it. He continues in a humble tone saying it has been a privilege and an honor to serve as the state’s 74th governor before talking about the election itself; “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.” However, McCrory adds a footnote that their are still continued questions about the voting process. He then goes back to saying he believes the majority of North Carolinians have spoken and the people should do all they can to support the new NC Governor, Roy Cooper, confirming his concession that he will no longer be the NC Governor.

McCrory finishes off the video saying how he believes the state is in a much better place than it was before he and his team came into to office and lists achievements such as teacher pay, environmental cleanup, transportation planning, paying off billions of dollars of debt, healthcare and tax reform and investments in state parks, the National Guard, universities and community colleges. He goes on to say that over his remaining weeks as Governor, his team is going to set up a financial plan to help those effected by Hurricane Matthew and the current wild fires in western North Carolina. He closes by asking everyone to pray for the new NC Governor Roy Cooper and the new President of the United States, Donald Trump.

UPDATE: Governor-Elect Roy Cooper released the following statement on Governor Pat McCrory’s concession:

“I want to thank Governor McCrory and our First Lady Ann McCrory for their service to our state. Kristin and I look forward to working with them and their staff in what I expect will be a smooth transition.

“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. 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. Together, we can make North Carolina the shining beacon in the south by investing in our schools, supporting working families and building a state that works for everyone. 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.”