Democratic North Carolina Senate candidate Cal Cunningham vows that he will not drop out of the race after a series of sexually charged text messages he sent to a California campaign consultant have been uncovered, the Raleigh News & Observer reports.
“I have hurt my family, disappointed my friends, and am deeply sorry. The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility, which I do. I ask that my family’s privacy be respected in this personal matter,” Cunningham said in a statement sent to The News & Observer.
The married father of two exchanged a series of text messages with public relations strategist Arlene Guzman Todd, who had worked on his campaign. The text messages were uncovered by a group founded by former staffers of Breitbart and the Daily Caller.
Cunningham held a six point lead in the race over his opponent, Thom Tillis, according to the RealClearPolitics polling averages.
Tillis reported he tested positive for coronavirus following his attendance at the Rose Garden introduction of Supreme Court nominee Amy Coney Barrett.