The Latest: Cooper finally gets to celebrate with supporters

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Latest on the transition following Republican incumbent Pat McCrory’s concession to Democrat rival Roy Cooper in the election for North Carolina governor (all times local):

7:45 p.m.

North Carolina’s next governor is finally celebrating his election victory with supporters after it took four extra weeks to finalize what the outcome would be.

Democratic candidate Roy Cooper took the stage at a victory rally Tuesday night to cheers from several hundred supporters in Raleigh.

Republican Gov. Pat McCrory just conceded to Cooper on Monday after it was made clear a partial recount of votes in one county would keep Cooper’s lead to just over 10,000 votes from 4.7 million cast statewide. Cooper also had to wait out dozens of local election protests filed with the support of McCrory’s campaign.

Cooper will take office next month. The outgoing attorney general told supporters North Carolina voters made a decision during the election to make it a welcoming place for everyone by their choice. A law McCrory signed limiting LGBT rights was a key issue in the election.

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2:55 a.m.

North Carolina’s next governor campaigned to work if elected on bending back state government’s recent right-ward turn, including the repeal of a law outgoing Gov. Pat McCrory signed limiting LGBT rights known as House Bill 2.

But Democrat Roy Cooper may have trouble doing that given that Republicans will still hold veto-proof majorities when he takes office next month. GOP legislative leaders are resolute in keeping their conservative policies intact.

Cooper will succeed McCrory after the Republican incumbent conceded Monday as a key recount in Durham County showed Cooper still ahead statewide by more than 10,000 votes. Cooper is planning to hold a victory rally Tuesday evening.

Longtime state Democratic consultant Gary Pearce cautioned the power of a governor shouldn’t be underestimated.