RALEIGH — North Carolina Supreme Court Justice Cheri Beasley has conceded to Paul Newby. The State Board of Elections is expected to certify the race at their Dec. 18 meeting.
The concession comes after Newby won the race by over 400 votes on election night and maintained roughly the same margin after Beasley asked for a statewide recount. Following the recount, Beasley then asked for a hand-eye recount. While not fully complete, the hand-eye recount was swinging in Newby’s favor.
In a statement tweeted by Beasley, she said she had called Newby to congratulate him on winning the race.
“I offer my very best to him and his family as he moves into that new role,” Beasley’s statement reads.
Beasley had filed over 85 election protests, many of which have already been dismissed.
In her statement, Beasley thanked her supporters and volunteers and said serving had been the greatest honor of her life.
“In an election of historic circumstances and unprecedented margins, I also offer my deepest thanks to the dedicated Board of Elections officials in helping move North Carolina forward,” said Beasley. “Their effort will echo far beyond a single year, campaign or election. I am grateful.”
Newby’s win makes the eighth Republican judicial race won this year, which is a record.
Newby responded with his own statement, saying that Beasley had contacted him this morning and offered her help with the transition. He said he was grateful for her hard work and contributions and thanked his supporters and volunteers.
“I am truly humbled that the people of North Carolina have elected me to serve as their next Chief Justice of the Supreme Court,” said Newby. “As a lifelong North Carolinian and the son of a public school teacher and a printer, I had no idea I would ever have the privilege of serving in this role. I am truly grateful to the people for entrusting me with this responsibility.”
Congratulations to Paul Newby for being elected as the Chief Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court. Justice Newby ran a phenomenal campaign and will serve with honor and distinction as the Chief Justice on our highest court ” said NCGOP Chairman Michael Whatley. “North Carolina Republicans made history by sweeping every statewide judicial race. These strategic victories are not an accident but the result of our hard-working volunteers, staff, and candidates across North Carolina, who worked tirelessly to elect conservative judges.”
“I want to thank Chief Justice Beasley for her years of service to North Carolina and I look forward to working with Justice Newby on the administration of our state courts system,” said House Speaker Tim Moore (R-Kings Mountain).
The North Carolina Democratic Party’s chairman Wayne Goodwin also issued a statement.
“Chief Justice Beasley broke new barriers and helped create a more just courts system that put people first and always sought to ensure every North Carolinian equal access to the law,” said Goodwin. “Throughout her dedicated, outstanding service over many years as Judge, Justice, and Chief Justice she has been an exemplar of what we strive to see in a fair, impartial, learned, and greatly-respected court. We extend our great appreciation for her leadership and public service, and know she will continue to play an integral role in moving our state forward.”
