CHARLOTTE (AP) — Voters have elected a Democrat to lead Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest city.
Patrick Cannon defeated Republican challenger Edwin Peacock with 53 percent of the vote, compared to 47 percent for Peacock, according to final unofficial results released by the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.
Peacock spokesman Russell Peck says Peacock is conceding defeat.
Cannon will replace Anthony Foxx, who was appointed by President Barack Obama as U.S. Transportation Secretary. Patsy Kinsey has been serving as the city’s interim mayor.
The 47-year-old Cannon is the owner of a parking management company. First elected to the City Council in 1993, Cannon is a longtime radio show host who discusses local and national political issues.
During the campaign, both Cannon and Peacock touted plans to help create new jobs in the city.