Incumbents Sweep Republican Primaries In Local Statehouse Races

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Republican voters returned three incumbent lawmakers to the ballot in Tuesday’s primaries, with all three now set to face Democratic challengers in November.

In N.C. Senate District 10, incumbent Benton Sawrey secured his party’s nomination with 14,872 votes (84.9%), defeating Republican challenger Caitlin Marsh, who received 2,658 votes (15.1%). Sawrey will face Democrat Pat LeGrand and Libertarian Kevin Terrett in the November general election.

In N.C. House District 26, incumbent Donna White defeated Republican challenger Margie Beth Riedel with 4,807 votes (70.5%) to 2,013 votes (29.5%).

“I am so humbled and honored that the people of District 26 have cast their votes and shown their confidence in me as their NC House District 26 Representative. I want to thank everyone who has supported my campaign and I am energized to carry this momentum into November,” Rep. White told The Johnston County Report Tuesday night.

Rep. White will face Democrat L’Bertrice Solomon in November.

In N.C. House District 28, Republican incumbent Larry Strickland defeated challenger Eric Bowles Sr. with 7,040 votes (89%). Bowles received 862 vote (11%). Rep. Strickland will face Democrat D. Matthew Bailey in the general election this fall.

Tuesday’s results maintained the Johnston County Republican incumbents’ hold on their state districts, but all three now turn toward contested November campaigns that could help shape the partisan balance in the NC General Assembly.