NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. -- Harper Peterson (D) beat incumbent Michael Lee (R) by 231 votes for the District 9 State Senate seat.

  • Republicans no longer hold the super majority in the state Senate
  • Two ballots were tossed out
  • Lee is eligible to ask for a recount

After being certified, this win will mean Republicans no longer hold the super majority in the state Senate.

"We've broken the super majority, and we will have a discussion with our counterparts across the isle, and that's good for democracy," said Peterson.

Lee released a statement congratulationing Peterson.

"I would like to congratulate Harper Peterson. I would also like to take this moment to express my gratitude to all those who have supported me through the years," Lee said.

The canvass meeting that made this official revealed two ballots were tossed out. One for a Pender County resident who accidentally voted in New Hanover County, and the other for a ballot that was counted twice.

Since Lee lost by less than 1 percent, he is eligible to ask for a recount. Should he want one, he will need to turn in a written request to New Hanover County Board of Elections by 5 p.m. on Monday. 

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