Pat McCrory Concedes Election To Roy Cooper

North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory conceded the governor's race Monday, clearing the way for Democrat Roy Cooper to be declared the winner nearly four weeks after Election Day.

The win by Cooper, the state's outgoing attorney general, gives Democrats an important consolation prize after a disappointing election across the country. However, Republicans retain super majorities in both legislative chambers.

In a video message from his office posted to YouTube, McCrory said, "Despite continued questions that should be answered regarding the voting process, I personally believe that the majority of our citizens have spoken, and we now should do everything we can to support the 75th Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper."

McCrory, who became the first sitting North Carolina governor to lose a re-election bid, was weighed down by a series of divisive laws he signed, including House Bill 2.

That law limited LGBT rights and directed transgender people to use restrooms in schools and government buildings corresponding to the sex listed on their birth certificates. It led to companies, sports organizations and entertainers pulling their business from the state, costing hundreds of jobs and millions of dollars in spending.

With appeals drying up and postelection counts padding Cooper's narrow lead, McCrory announced he was giving up.

McCrory, who won the office by a comfortable margin four years ago, was unable to generate the same voter support that lifted Republicans Donald Trump and Richard Burr to victory in the state.

Unofficial results at the State Board of Elections showed Cooper leading McCrory by slightly more than the 10,000 votes needed to avoid an automatic recount. A total of about 4.7 million votes were cast. The state board still must officially certify the results.

Cooper was expected to speak later Monday.

Cooper has stated he wants HB2 repealed because he said it promotes discrimination and has harmed North Carolina's brand as good place to do business.

McCrory defended signing the law and unsuccessfully tried to focus his campaign on the state's recovering economy and finances during his four years in office. Flooding after Hurricane Matthew in October also gave McCrory the opportunity to project the image of a leader as he directed recovery efforts as cameras watched.

Cooper, a former state legislator first elected attorney general in 2000 won't enter office from a position of strength. Republicans hold veto-proof majorities in both chambers of the legislature, making it difficult for him to push his agenda — or stop theirs.

A transcript of the governor's comments: 

As Ann and I get ready for the Christmas holidays, we are reminded of how fortunate we are to live in a free country. We're also thankful for all those who have served and protected our freedom and for those who continue to do so.

You know, being the 74th Governor of North Carolina has been a privilege and an honor. But during this wonderful season, it's also a time to celebrate our democratic process and respect what I see to be the ultimate outcome of the closest North Carolina governor's race in modern history. Despite continued questions that should be answered regarding the voting process, I personally believe that the majority of our citizens have spoken and we now should do everything we can to support the 75th Governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper.

The McCrory administration team will assist in every way to help the new administration make a smooth transition. You know, while exhibiting the highest of ethical standards, I am proud that our team leaves the state a much better place than when we came into office. Our initiatives in teacher pay, environmental clean up, budget surpluses, transportation planning, paying off billions of dollars in debt, health care reform, tax reform, creating 300,000 new jobs, and through the Connect NC bonds, we've made major new investments in our state parks, National Guard, and our universities and community college that will have a positive impact on future generations in North Carolina.

Now, during my remaining weeks as governor, this team will be focusing on developing a financial plan to be approved in a special legislative session to help our citizens and communities impacted by Hurricane Matthew and by the current wildfires in the western region of our state.

I ask all of us to please pray for our new governor, Roy Cooper, our new president, Donald Trump, and their families. And I encourage everyone now more than ever to respect all of our public servants and the offices they are elected to hold. Thank you for the honor to serve the great state of North Carolina.