With nearly all votes counted, Republican state Rep. Tricia Cotham narrowly leads her Democratic challenger in her first reelection bid since her controversial party change.
Cotham, who gave Republicans a veto-proof supermajority in the state legislature and helped them pass new restrictions on abortion, faces Democrat Nicole Sidman . They’re running in a redrawn North Carolina House District 105, which includes parts of Matthews, Mint Hill and south Charlotte.
With 17 of 18 precincts reporting, Cotham leads Sidman by a margin of 50.21% to 49.79%. Absentee by mail ballots and in-person early vote have been reported.
Cotham’s flip angered many in the Democratic Party, who’ve poured money and institutional support into Sidman’s campaign . The first-time candidate raised and spent more than $1 million from July 1 through mid-October, according to her campaign finance report.
Sidman arrived about 8:30 p.m. to applause and cheers at her watch party at Legion Brewing in South Park. Around 100 attendees have gathered to watch the outcome of the race Tuesday night. Sidman told The Charlotte Observer she’s feeling optimistic going into tonight, but it’s still a waiting game. She spent all day canvassing and making calls to voters, after spending this past weekend doing the same.