Former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker (R-Greensboro) formally conceded to Addison McDowell in N.C. 6th Congressional District on Wednesday while also announcing that he would be taking a position working with former President Donald Trump as a minority and faith outreach director.

Following the March 5 primary, Walker and McDowell were the top two vote-getters of the six-person field. However, neither secured enough votes to claim the Republican nomination for the congressional seat, opening the door for a potential run-off.

Walker’s concession was posted on multiple social media sites including Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Walker’s statement released on Instagram and Facebook offered praise to the “young” congressional candidate.

“When I first heard the name Addison McDowell, I immediately thought ‘this guy is way too young to take on the wolves in D.C.’ At the same time, I recognized his potential and told his brother as much before the primary election. I also learned of the tragedy the McDowell family suffered by losing a son and a brother way too early. I believe this created a maturity and strength in Addison to move forward as the next representative of the six (sic) district,” the statement read.

Walker’s statement continued, “After speaking with Addison directly a couple of times over the last several days, I’m convinced that Addison can do great things for the people of the 6th district which allowed me to not file for the upcoming runoff and work immediately and directly with President Trump, leading the effort into our faith-based and minority communities.”

It’s unclear which one of the conversations Walker refers to that changed his mind because as recently as Tuesday afternoon, he challenged McDowell to the debate stage on Facebook, sharing a letter from Fox 8 (WGHP) inviting the candidate to participate in a debate.

Walker’s post read, “A live debate on broadcast TV. What could be better for the people in the heart of the district? Count me in. How about you, Addison?”

In a Wednesday afternoon email, Jonathan Bridges, a spokesperson for the Walker campaign, said, “Rep. Walker has had multiple conversations with Addison throughout this campaign and the more Walker got to know Addison the more Rep. Walker saw Addison as a formidable opponent.”

Walker’s statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, and comments from his spokesperson, provided the most insight into which conversation actually changed his mind.

“We were ready for a runoff as of yesterday, but a call from President Trump, coupled with conversations with family and outside factors led him to make this decision,” Bridges said. “If Rep. Walker wasn’t confident in Addison’s ability to serve, this may have been a different conversation.”

In Walker’s released statement, the former congressman said, “Congratulations to President Trump on becoming our party’s presumptive nominee. Yesterday afternoon, I was honored to hear from President Trump asking if I would take the lead position as the Director of Outreach for faith and minority communities effective immediately. I’m delighted to accept this position and after the Biden administration is defeated in November, I’m grateful for the offer to continue our work with President Trump in the White House.”

Walker signed off the Instagram-published statement saying “From one pastor’s kid to another, I will be doing all I can to support Addison as he prepares to flip this seat from Democratic to Republican. Good luck and take your faith with you. You’re going to need it.”

The 6th district that McDowell is flipping did not exist in 2022, and the new maps have been scrutinized. The incumbent of the former N.C. 6th District, Kathy Manning, did not even file for re-election, calling the district in December “egregiously gerrymandered.”

As a result, McDowell is currently running unopposed for the seat.