The race for the newly-drawn North Carolina 6th Congressional District is heading to a runoff after the six candidates failed to obtain the 30 percent needed to secure the nomination. 

The top two vote-getters, former U.S. Congressman Mark Walker and former healthcare lobbyist Addison McDowell, will now turn their attention to a second primary race on May 14 in which they will be the only two candidates.

With every precinct in North Carolina reporting from Tuesday’s race, McDowell was the leading vote-getter with 21,206 ballots cast. That total represented 26.11 percent.

Not far behind McDowell was Walker. Nineteen thousand five hundred and sixty voters cast their ballot for Walker, representing 24.08 percent of the electorate.

Shortly after the election concluded, McDowell’s campaign issued a statement.

“McDowell, the Trump-endorsed candidate, started his campaign less than three months ago as a first-time candidate with no money,” the statement read. “In that short time, McDowell has gone from political unknown to top contender to win!

“And his challenger in the runoff? It’s the guy who has actively campaigned against Mark Robinson and would, from time to time, s*** upon President Donald Trump (it’s publicly available, and our lawyers assure us we can use it).”

McDowell used the statement to issue a rebuke at people he decried as “so-called experts” who said he had no shot. 

“… but I had faith in the voters, and it looks like they thought differently than the experts,” McDowell said. 

McDowell also took the opportunity to thank former President Donald J. Trump for his endorsement, while also leaning into his support for Republican gubernatorial nominee Mark Robinson, who defeated Salisbury lawyer Bill Graham and NC Treasurer Dale Folwell handedly on Tuesday. 

McDowell mentioned that he feels like the reduced field will benefit him.

“This primary had six candidates,” the statement said. “Now it’s just two. Addison went from an unknown to a top contender with a buncha also-rans splitting the vote.”

Jonathan Bridges, a spokesperson with the Walker campaign, replied to a Salisbury Post email request for comment on Wednesday.  

“From day one, Team Walker has been about the people,” the email said. “We’re extremely grateful for the countless volunteers, supporters and staff who worked tirelessly to tell the story of Mark’s service to the community of North Carolina and his vision for what’s next.”

Much like McDowell, Walker leaned into his platform’s language on the United States’ southern border as an explanation for voter support, pointing also to economic concerns. 

Walker’s spokesperson said he is also turning his attention to May 14. 

“But this fight isn’t over,” the email said. “We may be outspent, but we will never be outworked. This is a campaign full of heart, ready to lay it all on the line for the people of North Carolina, who deserve a champion in Congress. By grit, grassroots and the grace of God, Mark Walker will be that champion.”

In a Facebook post, Walker challenged his competitor to a debate. At a Frederick Douglass Debate series in Spencer during the campaign, Walker was present, along with three other candidates. Bo Hines and McDowell were not there. A spokesperson for McDowell’s campaign said at the time that he was at another event and was unable to attend in person.

Remaining 6th district candidates

Christian Castelli was a close third. His 17,130 votes lagged behind Walker’s by a three-point clip. 

Competition was less stiff from previously unsuccessful congressional candidate Bo Hines, High Point Mayor Jay Wagner and Greensboro-based plastic surgeon Mary Ann Contogiannis. Hines received 11,694 votes (14.4 percent). Wagner received 7,441 votes (9.16 percent), and Contogiannis received 4,182 votes (5.15 percent).

According to information from the Federal Elections Commission, Hines spent more money than any other candidate, with receipts totaling more than $1 million. Castelli spent less than Hines but more than everyone else. Meanwhile, the Walker campaign reportedly spent $689,873. McDowell’s campaign’s total receipts equaled $219,540. 

Walker’s reported cash on hand is $276,135. McDowell reportedly has $45,961 in his war chest.