After Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made his first endorsement to Renee Ellmers just this weekend, it was reported yesterday evening that Ellmers lost the North Carolina GOP primary for her congressional seat.
Ellmers had been the U.S Representative for North Carolina’s 2nd congressional district since 2011, but fell too short for the nomination against George Holding.
Holding secured the nomination with over 53 percent of the vote and 96 percent of precincts. The Washington Post reported Ellmers and Greg Brannon fought for the second place position, with Ellmer’s surpassing Brannon with a little over 200 votes. Ellmer’s loss was the first for the Republican incumbents during the 2016 primaries.
The turning point for Ellmers came when Susan B. Anthony List, a pro-life focused leadership group, endorsed Ellmer’s adversary. Holding, according to SBA, is a “consistent defender of the unborn with a 100% pro-life record.”
SBA stood by Holding during the primaries after Ellmers announced her initiative to stall the 20-week abortion ban.
North Carolina Values Coalition Executive Director Tami Fitzgerald backed Holding, noting, “Congressman Holding has been a faithful advocate for the sanctity of life, as evidenced by his excellent voting record, as well as his work and relationships with other champions of life on behalf of his constituents in North Carolina.” She added, “he is a man of integrity who doesn’t say one thing and do another. We are proud to endorse Congressman George Holding.”
Despite her loss to Holding, Ellmers made it known the loss won’t stop her from continuing to support Trump. In her statement, Ellmers spoke to her loss, saying, “unfortunately, today the special interest groups, super PACs and their deep pockets won. However, their days are numbered as I roll up my sleeves to help elect Donald Trump as our next president to shake up the status quo in Washington.”
A significant loss for Ellmers, although she now has the momentum to move forward on getting Trump into the oval office.
