1996 North Carolina Council of State election
All were incumbents except for Elaine Marshall, who won the post of Secretary of State, and Michael E. Ward, who was elected Superintendent of Public Instruction.
Rufus Edmisten Democratic Elaine Marshall Democratic Secretary of State Rufus Edmisten resigned in 1996 following an SBI investigation, creating an opportunity for Republicans to win their first Secretary of State election since 1900.
[8][9] Stock car racer and Randolph County commissioner Richard Petty, known as "The King," ran uncontested in the Republican primary.
[10] Petty was expected to be a boon for the Republican Council of State ticket, as future Insurance Commissioner and 1996 candidate Mike Causey said “I need to draw the Democrat vote, and I know he can do that.”[11] His candidacy was troubled by scandal, most notably a hit-and-run incident that caused some voters to question his temperament and readiness for office.
[12] Attorney and former State Senator Elaine Marshall won a crowded Democratic primary and heavily criticized Petty's lack of seriousness and questionable dedication to the job of Secretary of State.
Hunt: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
Hayes: 40–50% 50–60% 60–70%
Wicker : 40–50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%
Arnold : 40–50% 50–60% 60–70%
Long: 80-90% 70-80% 60-70% 50-60% 40-50%
Causey: 60-70% 50-60% 40-50%
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Marshall-70-80%Marshall-60-70%Marshall-50-60%Marshall-40-50%Marshall-30-40%Marshall-<30%
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Lee-50-60%Lee-40-50%Lee-30-40%Lee-<30%
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Pollard-30-40%Pollard-<30%
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Kramer-<30%
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Langston-<30%
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Hurst-<30%
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Marshall & Kramer Tied
Marshall: 50–60% 60–70% 70–80% 80–90%
Petty: 40-50% 50–60% 60–70% 70–80%
