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Republican incumbent Keith Kidwell is heading to a second term as Beaufort County’s state representative in District 79.

Kidwell, serving his first term, had substantial turnout in comparison to Democratic newcomer Nick Blount, also a Beaufort County resident: 25,145 votes cast for Kidwell, compared to 14,236 for Blount, with 30 of 30 precincts reporting.

Blount had more support from Beaufort County voters who voted via absentee ballot, with 1,889 votes, compared to Kidwell’s 1,181. However, Kidwell took a majority of the early voting totals and 18 of Beaufort County’s 21 precincts. The largest Election Day turnout for Kidwell was in Surry-Bath, where Kidwell votes outnumbered Blount votes 477 to 65.

All vote counts are unofficial until canvassing is complete.