Wayne Sasser, a 67-year-old semi-retired pharmacist, beat Rep. Justin Burr of Stanly County in the House District 67 Republican primary.
Burr wasn't the only incumbent in the legislature to fall.
Democratic primary voters turned out Rep. Duane Hall, who faced sexual harassment allegations and calls to resign, as well as Sen. Joel Ford and Rep. Rodney Moore. And five Republican incumbents lost.