RALEIGH — A May 14 runoff election between Donald Trump-backed Addison McDowell and former U.S. Rep. Mark Walker for the District 6 Congressional seat will not be happening after it was revealed Wednesday that Walker would be joining the Trump’s campaign for president.
Trump announced the addition of Walker in a post on Truth Social.
“I’ve asked Congressman Mark Walker to join my Campaign team to work with Faith Groups and Minority Communities, and he has agreed to immediately do so,” Trump’s post reads in part.
In a post on X, Walker congratulated Trump on being the party’s presumptive nominee and announced he would be going to work for the Trump team.
Trump also said in the post that,”Mark and I had many Wins together, and we look forward to continuing to build bridges to all Communities in our Great Nation, and advancing this important work in the White House.
“Yesterday afternoon, I was honored to hear from President Trump asking if I would take the lead position as the Director of Outreach for faith and minority communities effective immediately. I’m delighted to accept this position and after the Biden administration is defeated in November, I’m grateful for the offer to continue our work with President Trump in the White House.”
In a separate statement, Walker conceded the race to McDowell.
“I would like to commend Mark Walker for his passion for public service,” said McDowell in a press release. “I might be the younger of the two of us, but Mark Walker is the higher energy candidate. I’ve no doubt what feeds that energy is his passion for service. He ran a tough race and made me have to be a better candidate to win this thing. I don’t know what his future holds, but I have faith God has a great plan for Mark.
“And of course, thank you to President Donald J. Trump for believing in me!” McDowell said. “I can’t wait to work in Congress to help him secure our Southern border and fight for the America First Agenda that protects and promotes American jobs as the top priority.”
McDowell also thanked his mentor, NC Republican Sen. Ted Budd, as well as his wife for their support.
