Beth Helfrich at Newsmakers Breakfast | Photo by Jason Benavides

Nov. 6. By Dave Vieser. After establishing a sizable lead in Early Voting, Beth Helfrich defeated Melinda Bales by 2,193 votes, or approximately 5 percent in the competitive race for the NC House 98 seat.

The seat opened up earlier this year when incumbent Republican John Bradford decided not to run for re-election.

“It was the people of this district who built our scrappy and powerful grassroots campaign,” said Helfrich, a Democrat. “This win belongs to all of us, and we should all be incredibly proud of what we accomplished, together.”

A major issue in the race was abortion.

At a Cornelius Today Newsmakers Breakfast in October, Helfrich said the major issue separating herself and Bales, the former mayor of Huntersville, was their position on abortion.

Quotable

Helfrich | Photo by Jason Benavides

“Abortion is an issue which belongs between a woman and her doctor and/or medical consultants. It does not belong in the hands of politicians,” she said. Apparently that resonated with voters.

Following the victory, Helfrich reiterated her pledge to serve all residents of the district and also congratulated her opponent. “I appreciate Melinda’s service to our community and her dedication to making North Carolina a better place. I look forward to future opportunities where we can make a difference together.”

Background

Helfrich, 43, is a third-generation Davidson resident and a graduate of Davidson College. She and husband Tim have five children, ages 3-15.

In other results

The Cornelius $20 million bond referendum was approved 60 percent to 40 percent.