Ed Hanes drops Primary challenge of Linda Garrou

Placing unity above disunity:

Citing the need for Democratic Party unity, Ed Hanes Jr. has suspended his primary challenge against incumbent N.C. Sen. Linda Garrou, D-Forsyth, for the 32nd district seat.

Hanes' name will still be on the ballot, but he said he is backing Garrou for re-election.

Here's more, provided by BlueNC's massive network of secret informants:

“Senator Garrou
and I have spoken at length regarding my concerns in the District. She
understands my concerns regarding how existing bills such as Senate Bill 914
impact small businesses and her constituents, in particular, those
constituents who reside in the urban center corridor. The disparities in
housing, economic access, business development, education and technology from
the east to the west side of the District remain stark. We reflected on the
calculus of those concerns and the impact we as candidates could have driving
initiatives that would impact those disparities. After doing so we both
agreed that, at this time, she was in a position like no other to see that
our very mutual concerns are addressed. After many conversations with
supporters across the district and state, I am comfortable with my decision
to suspend my campaign. I look forward to working alongside Linda for
improvements in the district and in her reelection”.