Incumbent Hayes loses in U.S. House

Democratic high school teacher Larry Kissell defeated 10-year Republican incumbent Robin Hayes in North Carolina's most hotly contested U.S. House race this year -- the 8th District.

Two years ago, Kissell came within 329 votes of taking the seat despite a long-shot campaign. National Democrats took notice and backed Kissell this year with support and funding.

Kissell capitalized on a struggling economy by knocking Hayes for backing trade legislation that he said hurt the area's once-booming textile industry.

Incumbents in North Carolina's nine other non-Triangle House races cruised to victory:

1st District

Incumbent Democrat G.K. Butterfield easily defeated GOP challenger Dean Stephens.

3rd District

Republican Rep. Walter Jones won his eighth term by defeating challenger Craig Weber.

5th District

Republican Rep. Virginia Foxx defeated Democratic challenger Roy Carter.

6th District

Republican Howard Coble held onto his seat over challenger Teresa Sue Bratton.

7th District

Democratic Rep. Mike McIntyre defeated Republican Will Breazeale to keep his seat.

9th District

Republican Rep. Sue Myrick defeated Democratic challenger Harry Taylor to retain her seat.

10th District

Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry defeated Democrat Daniel Johnson.

11th District

Democratic Rep. Heath Shuler defeated Republican Carl Mumpower in Shuler's first bid for re-election.

12th District

Democratic Rep. Mel Watt retained his seat by defeating Republican Ty Cobb.