Wray returns to Raleigh

Published 12:00 am Thursday, May 4, 2006

JACKSON – Incumbent Representative Michael Wray (D-27th) easily won a second term Tuesday evening.

The Northampton County native defeated two challengers in the Democratic Primary to secure a trip back to the North Carolina General Assembly. Wray faces no challenger in November.

&uot;I am extremely proud of the overwhelming show of support by the citizens of Northampton, Vance and Warren counties to send me back to the North Carolina House of Representatives,&uot; Wray said. &uot;I am more committed than ever to work hard for new jobs, improved education and affordable health care for everyone.&uot;

Wray’s final tallies showed 8,403 votes for the incumbent while Anthony Butler of Vance County received 1,829. Fellow Northampton resident Howard Ervin finished third with 698 votes.

Wray controlled his home county of Northampton with 3,843 votes to Ervin’s 344. Butler got just 140 votes in the county.

Vance County also gave Wray their support as he got 1,828 votes to Butler’s 1,139. Ervin finished a distant third with 176.

In Warren County, Wray garnered 2,732 votes to Butler’s 550 and Ervin’s 178.