Republican Keith Kidwell will be the first to represent the newly redrawn N.C. House District 79 after running against Democrat Jerry Langley.

According to unofficial vote totals, Kidwell won by a total of more than 6,000 votes across Beaufort and Northern Craven counties, becoming the first to represent the newly redrawn district. While Langley amassed 11,159 votes, Kidwell brought in 17,190.

On election night, Kidwell expressed an eagerness to get to work in Raleigh on behalf of the people of Beaufort and Craven counties.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” Kidwell said. “We’ve got some issues in Eastern North Carolina, as I’ve stated in my campaign portfolio. We need to get jobs into Eastern North Carolina and make sure we have a voice that will not be sit down and shut up. I’m not that kind of person.”

Aside from jobs, Kidwell said that he would seek attention for U.S. Highway 17 and U.S. Highway 70, attempt to address the issue of solar farms and above all make sure tax money is spent responsibly.

“I’m ready to rock and roll,” Kidwell said. “I’ve got 40 years in business management, 33 of those in taxes and I’m taking that experience to Raleigh and I’m taking a big mouth and a stiff spine.”

Langley was not immediately available for comment on Tuesday evening.