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UNC instructor and educational activist Ricky Hurtado defeated incumbent Stephen Ross, winning a seat in N.C. House District 63.
Times-News
Ricky Hurtado, Times-News
Political newcomer Ricky Hurtado narrowly defeated incumbent Stephen Ross in the N.C. House District 63 race, securing just over 50 percent of the vote, according to Tuesday night's unofficial results.
In N.C. House District 64, Dennis Riddell held onto his seat, defeating Eric Henry, with 59 percent of the vote.
Alamance County voters fall in two state house districts, with the eastern side of the county voting in the District 63 race and the western side voting for District 64.
In District 63, Hurtado secured 20,264 votes (50.49 percent), while Ross garnered 19,869 (49.51 percent).
"We are really excited at tonight's strong results," Hurtado said.
It's not all celebration yet though, as Hurtado said he is waiting until results become certified.
"We've seen a strong showing in support of our campaign, but still recognize it's a bit close to call. There's still votes out there from mail-in ballots and provisional ballots and we want to be sure we see democracy play out and make sure that everyone's voice is heard in this election," he said.
Ross could not be reached for comment Tuesday or Wednesday.
Hurtado, a North Carolina native, is an education activist and instructor at the University of North Carolina. He is a first-generation college student, graduating from UNC and Princeton University. He has also served with local organizations like ABSS, Alamance Achieves, MyFutureNC and more.
Ross, a Burlington native and former Burlington City Council member, has held his seat in the state house since 2013. He is a graduate of Williams High School, Elon University and North Carolina State University. Before entering politics, Ross was a financial advisor. He is married with four children.
In N.C. House District 64, incumbent Riddell held his seat with 25,794 votes (59.58 percent) to Henry's 17,500 (40.42 percent).
Riddell, a former engineering officer in the US Merchant Marine, business owner and teacher, is serving his fourth term in the state house. He is married with eight children.
"I'm very pleased with my race and the overwhelming support I received from our community," Riddell said.
Henry, an entreprenuer, has lived in Alamance County since he was four years old. He started a T-shirt company while in college at NC State that later merged with TS Designs. He has been working with the company for over 40 years now. He and his wife have been married for more than 30 years as well.
Both men live in Snow Camp.
"I knew it was going to be a longshot, my campaign," Henry said. "I was disappointed but not surprised with my loss last night. I was hoping to be more competitive, but again we gave it a good fight."
"I was overall disappointed how poor the overall Democrats did in Alamance County. I'm excited to see Ricky win and hope that victory holds," he added.
"Not one party nor one person has all the answers and I'm hoping we can find some way to come together and represent everyone in our community," Henry said.
North Carolina's election results will be certified by the State Board of Elections on Nov. 24.
