Senator Carl Ford is being sent back to his N.C. Senate seat for District 33 after defeating challenger Tangela Morgan Tuesday night with just shy of 70 percent of the votes.

This will be Ford’s fourth term in the legislature. He served three terms in the House of Representatives for District 76, beginning in 2013, before being elected to the Senate in 2019. He has said he will continue to make the state’s rainy day fund a priority, noting how beneficial that savings has been in helping those in western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene.

There are three N.C. districts that include parts of Rowan County, Districts 76, 77 and 83. Incumbents were running for re-election in Districts 76 and 77.

Harry Warren has been returned to his seat in the 76th district for an eighth term, defeating challenger Alisha Byrd-Clark with just over 60 percent of the vote.

Warren was first elected in 2011 to serve in the House of Representatives for District 77. In 2019, district lines were redrawn and he moved to District 76 where he has served since.

“I have always tried to be a legislator and not a politician,” said Warren Tuesday night. “By that I mean I have worked to represent all of my constituents and their needs. I’m grateful I’ve earned their support throughout my time in the legislature.”

Warren, who has 30 years of business experience in human resources, said his priority for the upcoming term is the economy.

“Everything relies on adequate funding, but adequate funding requires a robust economy,” he said. “And as a senior member, I believe I can be effective in bringing funding home to my district.” And in Rowan County, one of his biggest priorities will be the proposed interchange on McCanless Road in East Spencer/Spencer, where development is already occurring with an eye toward the new exit.

“Two years ago, I helped East Spencer get $23 million for their water system and I know that has helped with the development,” he said. “It is my hope to continue helping East Rowan and that area of East Spencer and Spencer by making sure this interchange happens.” Once it does, he said he believes both communities will see tremendous development.

Julia Howard was again elected to represent District 77, fending off a challenge from Kashmir R. Sibby. Howard retained the seat, to which she was elected in 2019, with more than 78 percent of the votes. She was initially elected to serve District 74 in 2003. Davie County was removed from District 74 in 2019, so Howard was moved to District 77, which included Davie County and part of Rowan County. In 2023, Yadkin County was added to the district.

Two newcomers were vying to represent District 83 this year, which includes part of Rowan County and all of Cabarrus County. The seat was previously held by Kevin Crutchfield.

The two new competitors who squared off were Grant Campbell and Joanne Chesley. Campbell, a physician who also served as a military doctor during three tours as well as vice chair of the NC Board of Community Colleges, took the seat with about 75 percent of votes.