US Rep. Virginia Foxx says vote count isn’t over as she trails Dem in NC’s 5th District

Republican U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx trails her Democratic challenger by just 99 votes – less than 1% – in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District, leaving one of the state’s closest congressional races undecided following Tuesday’s midterm elections. 

With all 230 precincts reporting, unofficial results after Election Day show Democrat Chuck Hubbard received 48.7% of the vote, while Foxx won 48.66%. Libertarian candidate Robert Luffman has about 2.64% of the vote, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections.

Foxx, 83, said Wednesday that the counting process is not over, pointing to overseas and provisional ballots that have yet to be counted. Military and overseas ballots are accepted if they arrive by Nov. 12.

She said more than 1,000 provisional ballots were cast in the 2024 elections, and Republicans gained enough votes from those ballots to pass the current margin.

“Free and fair elections are a cornerstone of our healthy republic,” Foxx said. The voters exercised their American rights and cast their ballots. I am so grateful for all those who took the time to vote in this election.”

Foxx has represented the district since 2005, winning 11 consecutive general elections in the district. She defeated Hubbard in 2024 by a much larger margin, winning about 60% of the vote. 

Strong Democratic turnout flips at least 5 US House seats across North Carolina

The 5th district stretches across northwestern North Carolina, including areas like Watauga County and Boone, and has historically favored Republicans. It’s long been considered one of the state’s safest GOP seats.

Hubbard, 64, also acknowledged the close margin in a statement that claimed victory in the race. 

He said he was proud to have been selected by voters and looked forward to working on issues including Hurricane Helene recovery and lowering costs for families in his district. 

“Last night’s results came out extremely close, which means we will have to fight for this seat,” Hubbard said. “I trust the Board of Elections to complete their work correctly and fairly.”

The race could be decided through a recount. State law allows a candidate in a non-statewide race to request a recount when the margin is less than 1% of the total votes cast.

County election boards need to complete their canvasses before the results can be certified. The county canvasses are scheduled to be finished by Nov. 13 in North Carolina. After that, the losing candidate can request a recount.