WASHINGTON, N.C. -- A North Carolina congressman is preparing to say ‘goodbye’ to Capitol Hill. But will it be ‘farewell’ for the last time?

  • Rep. Pittenger has packed up his Capitol Hill office
  • He says he is excited to spend more time with all 12 of his grandchildren
  • The state’s election board has not yet certified the 9th District election results

Rep. Robert Pittenger lost this year’s Republican primary, but he so far does not know who will replace him. The state’s election board has not yet certified the 9th District election results amid allegations of election fraud. Asked recently if he would run again in the event a new primary election was ordered, Pittenger was close-lipped.

RELATED: New Report Goes Deep into 9th District Election Fraud Controversy

“I’m not going to speculate on that,” he said.

So far, Pittenger has packed up his Capitol Hill office, moving to a cubicle in the basement of a House office building.

Asked what he will miss the most about working in Washington, he said, “A lot of people, a lot relationships. I built a lot of friends up here, across the aisle.”

During his six years in Congress, Pittenger helped secure funding for a new control tower at the Charlotte airport. He also lead efforts to pass legislation aimed at shoring up U.S. technology, protecting it from foreign actors.

National security has remained one of his main focuses. He organized 12 forums, bringing together legislative leaders from across the globe. The goal: get everyone on the same page when it comes to terrorism and cyber security.

“Number one, we need to secure this country, and we have major challenges, from nation states and terrorists,” he said.

Is he done with politics?

“Well, I’m not done with policy,” he said. “We’ll continue our work working with members of parliament.”

After he leaves office, Pittenger says he is forming a foundation so he can continue to host the international forums. Three more are already planned for 2019, including one in Israel.

For now, Pittenger is looking forward to swapping out the title of congressman for something a little different: “Pitto,” the name his grandkids call him.

Pittenger says he is excited to spend more time with all 12 of his grandchildren, especially over the holidays.

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