North Carolina Gov. McCrory finally throws in the towel

Apparently in the Christmas spirit, North Carolina Republican Gov. Pat McCrory finally conceded in his failed re-election bid Monday afternoon.

"During this wonderful season, it's also time to celebrate our democratic process and respect what I see to be the ultimate outcome of the closest North Carolina governor's race in modern history," McCrory said in a video message as he conceded to Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper. He added:

Despite continued questions that should be answered regarding the voting process, I personally believe that the majority of our citizens have spoken. And we should know do everything we can to support the 75th governor of North Carolina, Roy Cooper.

The McCrory administration team will assist in every way to help the new administration make a smooth transition.

McCrory's team led a massive recount effort throughout more than 50 counties in the state, especially in Durham County. The incumbent governor promised last month that he would drop his challenge should the recounted Durham votes still turn out in Cooper's favor.

“With serious concerns of potential voter fraud emerging across the state, it has become apparent that a thorough recount is one way the people of North Carolina can have confidence in the results, process and system,” McCrory said last month.

As WCNC-TV reported earlier Monday, Cooper picked up three additional votes after recounting more than 52,000 ballots. In comparison, McCrory dropped one vote.

"I ask all of us to please pray for our new governor, Roy Cooper; our new president, Donald Trump; and their families. And I encourage everyone, now more than ever, to respect all of our public servants and the offices they are elected to hold," McCrory said Monday. "Thank you for the honor to serve the great state of North Carolina."

For his part, Cooper had already declared himself the winner of the gubernatorial race on election night.

Republican President-elect Donald Trump won the state of North Carolina.