GOP Runoff in North Carolina Congressional Race

There will be a runoff in the Republican primary to succeed the late U.S. Rep. Walter Jones Jr.

State Rep. Greg Murphy of Greenville and Kinston pediatrician Joan Perry were the top two vote-getters among 17 Republicans in Tuesday's primary in the special election in the 3rd Congressional District.

Murphy was the leader but failed to get more than 30% of the vote required to avoid a July runoff. Perry campaign manager Blake Belch said Tuesday night that Perry would formally request a runoff, as is required.

The eventual GOP nominee would take on Democratic nominee Allen Thomas, who won his primary Tuesday. The general election is planned in September.

Jones died in February after 24 years in the House as a Republican serving in the eastern North Carolina district.