GOP rep faces recount in close primary race

Rep. Robert Pittenger (R-N.C.) faces a possible recount after winning a close race in his primary last week.

Baptist Pastor Mark Harris formally requested a recount, a North Carolina Board of Elections spokesman said Wednesday.

{mosads}Pittenger edged out Harris by just 135 votes after absentee and provisional ballots were counted, according to the Associated Press.

Under North Carolina law, candidates can request a recount of ballots if the margin of victory is within one percent.

Pittenger was more vulnerable to a primary challenge this year after redistricting in his state changed his Charlotte-area district. A looming FBI investigation into Pittenger’s role with his former real estate company further fueled a tough reelection.

An Associated Press projection from last Tuesday’s primary showed Pittenger, Harris and former Union County Commissioner Todd Johnson splitting the vote almost evenly with about 30 percent each.

Pittenger’s campaign expressed confidence that the recount would still be in Pittenger’s favor.

“Given the official canvas yesterday and the integrity of our election process, we have full confidence that a recount will not alter the course of this election,” his campaign said in a statement Wednesday.

Only three incumbent House members have lost their primaries this election cycle to date. Two similarly faced struggles due to redistricting: Reps. Renee Ellmers (R-N.C.) and Rep. Randy Forbes (R-Va.). Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-Pa.) also lost his primary earlier this year amid a federal indictment.