NEW LONDON – Gene McIntyre, the Republican candidate for the N.C. Senate District 25 seat, was in a car accident Wednesday in Stanly County, according to his opponent and the McIntyre campaign Facebook page.
According to posts by friends on the Facebook page, McIntyre, a Stanly County commissioner and retired educator, was in a car wreck on his way to a campaign event and was rushed to a hospital for surgery.
Democratic rival Gene McLaurin said he is asking for prayers for his opponent.
“There are many more important things than politics,” McLaurin said. “Right now we need to all be in prayer for Gene in hopes that he will be back on the campaign trail soon.”
McLaurin said he doesn’t know where the accident occurred or how seriously McIntyre is injured.
Because the men have similar names, McLaurin said several people called him Wednesday night, thinking he was the accident victim.
“I called his home to let them know he is in our prayers,” McLaurin said.
The Senate District 25 seat is up for grabs after incumbent Sen. Bill Purcell decided not to run for reelection.
The 2011 redistricting brought southeastern Rowan County into the new District 25. The district’s boundaries also will include Scotland, Richmond, Anson and Stanly counties.
Contact reporter Emily Ford at 704-797-4264.