Rep. Richard Hudson conceded his reelection bid Wednesday, his 55th birthday and one day after losing to Democratic challenger Richard Ojeda in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District.
Mr. Hudson, chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement, “Last night, the voters of North Carolina’s 9th District made their choice, and I respect it.”
He said he called Mr. Ojeda to congratulate him on his victory.
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“I wish him well and look forward to working with him to ensure a smooth transition for the people of North Carolina’s Ninth Congressional District,” he said.
Mr. Ojeda led by 138,707 votes to 132,692 with all precincts counted, a margin of about 6,000 votes, or 2 percentage points, according to unofficial results.
Republicans had held the district since 1963. President Trump carried it by 16 points in 2024, and Mr. Hudson won it by more than 18 points that year. Cook Political Report rated the race Likely Republican heading into Election Day.
His district was originally viewed as a stronghold, but a blue wave washed over the seat as it did in dozens of other races.
In his victory speech, Mr. Ojeda said, “People in this country are struggling, and they voted to tell America that they were ready for change and we are going to be that change.”
The retired Army major emphasized that the victory belonged to teachers, nurses, veterans, families at Fort Bragg and working-class individuals.
Mr. Hudson said that representing the people of North Carolina has been the honor of his life.
“Since 2013, I’ve worked for North Carolina families. That includes the soldiers and families at Fort Bragg, who sacrifice more for this country than most people will ever know,” he said. “Every day I had the privilege of being Fort Bragg’s Congressman, I worked to earn that honor.”
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