By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Rowan County Commissioner Carl Ford topped Dr. Eric Troyer on Tuesday, taking more than 73 percent of the votes in Rowan and Cabarrus counties to secure the GOP nomination for the 76th N.C. House District seat.
It was a long campaign, Ford said at the end of the night, “but without God, none of it would’ve been possible.”
Ford said he was thankful to God, his wife, family, supporters and the party’s nominees.
“I hope I can represent them in the fall,” he said.
After redistricting last year, the 76th district now includes northeastern Cabarrus County and southeastern Rowan.
Ford received 73.53 percent, or 7,408 votes.
Troyer received 26.47 percent, or 2,667 votes.
It was the first time the physician at Troyer Medical has run for political office.
“It was an interesting foray into politics,” he said. “I trust that Mr. Ford will do an excellent job.”
Ford is seeking a seat vacated by Rep. Fred Steen who held the seat since 2004. Steen ran for the Republican spot on the fall ballot in the 8th Congressional District, but did not win that primary race.
Ford will face Democrat John Williams of Salisbury in November.
Contact reporter Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.