Auditor's race ends amid statewide recount

Stuber's concession came a few hours after the State Board of Elections had certified the results of almost every other race across North Carolina from the Nov. 8 election.

The former FBI agent had trailed Wood by about 6,000 votes in the race, and that margin wasn't changing much as counties filed their recount figures. The recount isn't expected to be finished until Monday.

"The statewide recount is almost over, and it appears my campaign will come up short on the vote count. I want to offer my congratulations to State Auditor Beth Wood and wish her the best on her next term in office," Stuber said in a statement. "My entire professional career has been one of public service, and I hope I will have the opportunity to serve the citizens of North Carolina again in some capacity in the future."

"Now that we have won, I am ready to move forward with my third term to continue the mission in helping our state become a model for the nation in efficiency and budgetary effectiveness," Wood said in a statement. "Additionally, I want to acknowledge Chuck Stuber as not only a worthy opponent but one who stuck to the issues of this office as the foundation for his campaign."

The state board's canvass means that the presidential and gubernatorial races are finally settled, so state Republican Party officials can name the electors who will meet at the State Capitol on Dec. 19 as the Electoral College officially picks Donald Trump as president.

Another race that was settled Friday was a Wake County legislative campaign. Republican Rep. Marilyn Avila, a five-term incumbent, was defeated by Democrat Joe John, a former director of the State Crime Lab, in District 40, which covers the northwest part of the county. John won the race by 384 votes.

The only race that hasn't been called by the state board is the District 8 state House race in Wilson and Pitt counties. Two-term Republican Rep. Susan Martin was leading Democratic challenger Charlie Pat Farris by 163 votes.