Brad Briner, member of the UNC-Chapel Hill Board of Trustees, will become State Treasurer. (File photo)
Republican Brad Briner has been elected North Carolina’s next state Treasurer, defeating his Democratic challenger State Rep. Wesley Harris.
The Associated Press projected Briner early Wednesday morning. As of 1:20 a.m., Briner lead Harris 52.46% to 47.54% according to the state Board of Elections.
The race pitted the only PhD economist in the legislature (Harris), against an investment manager and current member of the UNC Board of Trustees (Briner).
Both men campaigned on how they would improve upon the underperformance of the North Carolina Retirement System. They agree that too much of the state pension fund is sitting in cash.
The office also oversees the State Health Plan, serving more than 750,000 current and retired public employees. Current state Treasurer Dale Folwell has served in the position for two terms. Folwell unsuccessfully ran in the Republican gubernatorial primary, losing back in March to Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson.
Election night results are unofficial and vote totals will likely change over the coming days as local boards of election consider provisional, military, and overseas civilian ballots. The state Board of Elections is scheduled to meet Nov. 26 to certify the results.