Democrat flips House seat in North Carolina despite felony charge

Voters in North Carolina elected Democrat LaKesha Womack this week over GOP Rep. Tim Moore, despite the Democrat facing a felony charge for allegedly failing to return a rental car valued at $20,000.

The unexpected Democratic victory comes amid a massive blue wave during the midterms on Tuesday, which saw Republicans lose control of both chambers of Congress, with Democrats flipping at least seven Senate seats. 

Womack's race was called by the Associated Press on Thursday morning, which saw the Democrat beat Moore in a 51.1% to 48.9% split. 

The Democrat's victory comes after she was charged last month with a Class H felony for allegedly failing to return a rental car valued at $20,000. The alleged crime took place in 2019, according to Fox News. She is set to appear in court on Tuesday.

The congresswoman-elect could face up to 2 years in prison if convicted, according to the Daily Signal, which would not immediately disqualify her from serving in the House, though it makes her ability to fulfill her duties more difficult. 

Lawmakers “convicted of a crime punishable by two or more years’ imprisonment must refrain from voting on any question in the House or in the Committee of the Whole on the state of the Union until reinstated or reelected," according to the House Committee on Ethics.

Moore expressed disappointment in the election results but said he respects the vote and will help set Womack up for success.

“I’m hopeful she will be in a position to help you carry on with a lot of those things, but you know this is just an unexpected blue tsunami,” Moore told the Daily Signal.

The Republican also said he was committed to working the last 22 legislative days of his term on behalf of his constituents and help with affordability issues like bringing down housing costs.

“I’m going to continue to focus on the Hurricane Helene relief," Moore said. "I’m going to focus on legislation to deal with affordability. I think it’s clear that it is the number one issue on voters’ minds, and we have some good ideas. I would like to see us get some things done along those lines.”

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.