Reluctant 13th District candidate wins primary

Charles Malone's on-again, off-again candidacy is really on again after Tuesday's Democratic primary win in the 13th Congressional District.

Malone, who works for the state Department of Environment and Natural Resources, filed for the redrawn 13th District back in February but then put his candidacy aside for health reasons.

Johnnie McLean, deputy director of the State Board of Elections, said Malone tried to withdraw from the race but couldn't since the candidate filing period had already closed.

Malone called WRAL.com in mid-April to say that his health had improved and, after previously considering letting the North Carolina Democratic Party pick the candidate if he won the primary, he was weighing whether to re-enter the race.

WRAL.com offered him the chance to tape a short video about his candidacy to introduce himself to voters and outline his priorities and stances on issues – the same offer made to other area congressional candidates. But after setting up an April 23 appointment, he failed to show up for it.

On Tuesday, Malone beat Bernard Holliday by a 2-1 margin in the Democratic primary and will now face former federal prosecutor George Holding in November.