McIntyre re-elected to Congress; Pantano concedes from 7th District race

By Michelle Saxton
Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Ilario Pantano comforts supporters at the Blockade Runner after being defeated by Mike McIntyre on Tuesday, Nov.2.

Incumbent Democrat U.S. Rep. Mike McIntyre will continue serving in Congress, as his Republican challenger, Ilario Pantano, conceded from the race late Tuesday, Nov. 2.

Pantano announced his concession from the District 7 race at the Blockade Runner in Wrightsville Beach.

Of the 10 counties included in the district, McIntyre had been leading in seven, according to results posted before 10:30 p.m. by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Pantano had been winning in Brunswick, Pender and Sampson counties, the board’s map showed.

A New York native and veteran who served in the Gulf and Iraq wars, Pantano chose to stay in southeastern North Carolina and raise his family here after being assigned to Camp Lejeune with the U.S. Marine Corps.

McIntyre grew up in Lumberton, N.C., and has served in Congress since 1996.