KINSTON, N.C. (WITN) - Kinston Mayor Don Hardy said he holds no hard feelings toward voters or his opponent after losing his reelection bid Tuesday night to political newcomer Kareem Moore.

Hardy, who served as mayor for eight years, said he respects the democratic process and the voters’ decision.

“I believe in democracy. We went through the election, and you know, this is where we are today. I’m here, I look forward to seeing what is to come, and I hope the voters get exactly what they’re requesting,” Hardy said.

Moore stunned Hardy on election night, becoming the city’s new mayor-elect. Moore filed to run just over an hour before the deadline in July, telling WITN he felt a personal calling to bring change to the city.

Moore’s team said he could not speak on Wednesday because

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