Pittenger, Pendergraph head into runoff primary

RALEIGH, N.C. — Two of the men in a heavily contested race for the North Carolina's 9^th District have advanced to a runoff, the Associated Press reported Tuesday night.

With 99 percent of precincts reporting, Robert Pittenger only holds a 33-25 lead over Jim Pendergraph for the 9^th District GOP Congressional race.

"The runoff is something we've all expected. I'm amazed we came this far in this short period of time, but we will contrast who we are. We are a consistent conservative message," Pittenger said.

The two men quickly distanced themselves from their opponents in polls. Now, the two men will focus their campaigns on each other.

"Our strategy will change a little bit with just two people. But it's basically going to be me telling the voters what I want to do for them as their elected representative when I get to Washington," Pendergraph said.

The runoff primary could be held June 26 or July 17.

WSOC