Murray keeps his post as District Attorney with win over Hollocker

HENDERSONVILLE — Flat Rock's Andrew Murray will be the lone candidate on the ballot for District Attorney for Henderson, Polk and Transylvania counties after being declared the top candidate for the position by voters in Tuesday night's primary.

At 9:15 p.m., Murray called out to his supporters that he was "calling this race" after holding over 60 percent of the vote over his opponent, Mary Ann Hollocker, with 20 precincts of 35 reporting.

"We have won because we care about this community, and we want to work for this community. I'm going to work for even those that voted for my opponent, because the job is to do justice.

"Justice means now I lose the 'R." Now there is no 'R' and no 'D' ... it's about doing justice for people of Polk, Transylvania and Henderson counties, and we're going to get it done for the next four years," Murray said.

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With all precincts reporting later in the night, Murray finished with 10,300 votes (62.95 %) to Hollicker's 6,061 votes (37.05 %) to keep his spot. It's a position he's held since May of last year after being appointed by Gov. Roy Cooper following the dismissal of Greg Newman, but Newman was there Tuesday night at Murray's watch party and Murray took notice.

"I have an incredible staff here. We've had an unbelievable year because of the people Greg Newman has hired, and Greg Newman is here tonight," Murray, 60, said, as the crowd gathered at Elizabeth Leigh Inn clapped. "Greg Newman... I thank you."

Newman was removed after Superior Court Judge Robert C. Ervin ruled that he engaged in "willful misconduct in office" and "conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice which brings the office into disrepute” under N.C. General Statute 7A-66.

Newman said he was happy with Tuesday's results.

"I've got to serve with him on some committees and so forth. He's a very good leader," Newman said. "It's a relief, because I know the quality of person he is. He'll continue to do a great job."

Murray served three years as President Trump’s hand-picked U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina prior to being appointed District Attorney for District 42 in May. 

"I'm surrounded by my family... I want to say thank you to all of them," Murray said. "And (Sheriff) Lowell Griffin ... thank you for supporting me. I have to tell you, when I got to say I  was supported by Lowell Griffin, they said 'if Lowell is with you, I'm with you.'"