Cal Concedes, Tillis Back to DC

RALEIGH – Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Cal Cunningham has conceded the race to Republican incumbent Senator Thom Tillis.

“I just called Senator Tillis to congratulate him on winning re-election to a second term in the U.S. Senate and wished him and his family the best in their continued service in the months and years ahead,” Cunningham said in a statement.

The conclusion of what Tillis described as a “hard fought” race, the most expensive race for Senate in the nation, brings more certainty to dynamics in that chamber after slow-counting votes has protracted the suspense around the ultimate balance of power in Washington, D.C.

Tillis’ reelection means the Republicans will more assuredly retain the Senate majority, of ultimate significance if Democrats control the White House.

The former Speaker of the NC House said he wished the best for Cunningham and his family. The Democrat was, of course, mired in scandal as proof and admission of multiple extramarital affairs broke during the final weeks of the campaign, leading to an Army investigation and a candidate refusing media interviews for weeks on end.

Despite all that, Cunningham still lead in the polls right up into election day. Tillis’ proved those polls incorrect, ultimately, and will serve another six years as a U.S. Senator.