Tuesday saw the election of NC State Representative Alma Adams (D-Guilford), as the next congresswoman from North Carolina’s 12th congressional district.
182 of 182 precincts – 100 percent
x-Alma Adams 14,927 – 44 percent
Malcolm Graham 7,482 – 22 percent
George Battle 4,426 – 13 percent
Marcus Brandon 2,974 – 9 percent
James Mitchell 2,032 – 6 percent
Curtis Osborne 1,934 – 6 percent
Adams, 67, a veteran member of the North Carolina General Assembly, succeeds Mel Watt, who resigned after being appointed by President Obama as the head of the federal Housing Finance Authority.
Adams, a retired college professor, is known for her colorful personality, forceful manner, and her distinctive hats. A former chairman of the NC Legislative Black Caucus, I predict that she’ll make a mark quickly and will chair the Congressional Black Caucus within 4 years. In succeeding Watt, she presents a sharp contrast. Watt is known for his unassuming manner and for surprising constituents and others by personally answering the phones in his congressional office. Adams, on the other hand, is rather imperious and known in Raleigh as someone difficult to work for.
This race should have ended differently. Given the footprint that Charlotte has in the 12th Congressional District, this race was State Senator Malcolm Graham’s to lose and he lost it. He never consolidated his base and Greensboro State Representative Marcus Brandon was never a threat to Alma’s despite his strong fundraising. His humiliating 9% showing was the shock of the evening.
Skeptical Brotha 