Businessman Pat Harrigan wins NC's 10th Congressional District

Harrigan overcame substantial outside spending and opposition from North Carolina party insiders to claim a victory over state Rep. Grey Mills.

Businessman Pat Harrigan has won North Carolina's 10th Congressional District primary (photo courtesy of Harrigan campaign)

Businessman Pat Harrigan has won North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District in a race that pitted apart GOP insiders.

Republican U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry appeared to tip off Harrigan of his intentions to create an open seat by retiring. Within minutes of McHenry’s public announcement, Harrigan declared his candidacy, moving from the 14th District primary against state House Speaker Tim Moore. The shift prompted Republicans to scramble for a primary opponent.

Moore and others backed state Rep. Grey Mills.