WASHINGTON–Congressional candidates in races in which credit unions had been most involved all finished on top in yesterday’s primary races.
In North Carolina’s District 3, Rep. Walter Jones easily won his race in the Republican primary, winning 64% of the vote. Jones had been targeted by banks in North Carolina for being too friendly with credit unions. A PAC, “Friends of Traditional Banking,” had even called the representative “Credit Union Jones,” according to CUNA’s chief political officer, Richard Gose. The state’s credit unions and CULAC both provided support to Jones.
In a razor thin margin, another CU-backed candidate, Rep. Robert Pittenger (R) holds the lead in the District 9 race in the Republican primary, winning 35% of the vote compared to rival Mark Harris’ 34.4%. As of 5 a.m. ET, Pittenger’s lead was just 142 votes. District 9 has seen significant changes due to redistricting. WSOC-TV reported a recount was likely.
In primary races in California in which credit unions had an interest, Democrat Jimmy Panetta easily won his race in the 20th congressional district; Isadore Hall finished on top of the Democratic primary in District 44, and Lou Correa won the open primary in District 46.
All three of those California candidates are considered friends to credit unions.
Elections also took place in four other states. CUNA reported its PAC, CULAC, provided support to 126 candidates nationwide, 123 of whom won their races.
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