Championing the Conservative Cause
Maggie Smith and Megan Katz, Staff Writers
The members and supporters of the Union County Republican Party gathered at Hilltop on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 8 to celebrate the races and in some cases victories.
As votes were being tallied local representatives dined and mingled with their constituents, friends, and families.
Incumbent Mark Brody, NC House Representative of the 55th District, won his race with 60.5% of the votes. Brody attributed the success for the Republican Party this election to the decision to campaign as a team, as opposed to individuals.
The party was put on by Robert Pittenger, who also won his race for US House Representative of the 9th District with 58.3% of the votes. Pittenger shared his gratitude and praised the great leadership in Union County.
Tommy Tucker ran unopposed and was re-elected as NC Senator from District 35. Tucker was first elected as NC Senator in 2010. Tucker said he is the best for the job because he has the experience, he views government as a business, and he is a small business owner himself.
Tucker got his start in politics when he decided to run for mayor because his city council would not fund youth sports. He lost the race 60-40. Tucker said it sparked his love of politics, and he has since served as mayor, county commissioner, and now state senator.
“This is where I want to be,” Tucker said. “I was born here, I love this state, and that’s why I’m serving.”
Another incumbent present at the party was NC House Representative Dean Arp from the 69th District. He won his race against Democrat Gordon Daniels with 66% of the votes. With a background in structural engineering, Arp got his start in politics on the Union County School Board. Arp served from 2000-2012.
“I would not have been able to become an engineer without my education,” Arp said. “That’s why it was so important to me to be able to have a say in education.”
Arp said he feels that the best measure of future success is past successes. Arp says he and his colleagues have been able to dedicate 67% of the total state budget to education, as well as making North Carolina 29th in teacher pay when you factor in cost of living.
“When you can affect a positive change for someone who is in a difficult environment, that is the joy of serving,” Arp said.
“My belief is you vote your conscience first, you vote your constituents second, and you vote your caucus third,” said Arp. “I encourage people to elect people with the character and the values that represent you.”
Edited By: Sara Gunter
Wingate Triangle 