Bradford in his old office in the state capitol

ELECTION NIGHT. Former NC Rep. John Bradford looks like he will win back his old seat in the House of Representatives, edging out Christy Clark in a close race. With all 12 precincts reporting at 10:30 pm, Bradford was ahead 31,619 to 29,582.

“While all the absentee ballots have not yet been counted, I’m encouraged by the Early Voting and Election Day results,” Bradford said at 10:30 pm. “Our team  ran a campaign based on the promises I made and the promises I kept. This was a clear differentiator in this specific race and I’m humbled by the support.”

Bradford won Precinct 242/Jetton Park three to one.

No concession

Clark did not concede, however. Her campaign manager  noted that absentee ballots and provisional ballots are still being counted.

“Every vote needs to be counted every voice needs to be heard. There are many mail-in and provisional ballots that still need to be counted. I want to thank every supporter, volunteer, and donor who stands with us and made this campaign a true grassroots community movement,” said Clark’s campaign manager Nora Brickner.

In a surprise victory two years ago, Clark narrowly defeated Bradford, a former Cornelius Town Commissioner. Bradford soon began planning for this year’s rematch, announcing he would run for his old seat last year.

Clark is a Huntersville resident whose first run for office was in 2018 for the District 98 seat once held by Thom Tillis. She is a certified North Carolina paralegal.

Christy Clark

Bradford is the founder of Park Avenue Properties, as well as PetScreening.com, a company that screens pets for landlords and validates assistance animals.

Bradford, one of the standard-bearers of the younger Republican Party in North Carolina, was seen campaigning virtually every day at Town Hall during Early Voting, as well as on the I-77/Exit 28 bridge.