The Morgan wing of the N.C. House GOP caucus took a major hit tonight. The former House co-speaker lost a squeaker in his own re-election bid, while ally Rick Eddins lost his own race.

A primary battle might also mean the end of legislative service for Morgan ally Stephen LaRoque. He trails challenger Willie Ray Starling by nine votes in unofficial totals.

Morgan allies Mike Gorman and Keith Williams lost their bids to return to the House.

On the flip side, one of Morgan’s chief critics has also lost his seat. Rep. John Rhodes, R-Mecklenburg, collected just 37 percent of the vote in his primary loss to Thom Tillis (63 percent).

Among Democrats, one of the most powerful House budget writers has apparently lost his re-election bid. Rep. Edd Nye, D-Bladen, trails challenger William Brisson by 64 votes.

On the Senate side, one incumbent lost. Sen. John Garwood, R-Wilkes, fell to David Blust. He’s the brother of Rep. John Blust, R-Guilford. Garwood was one of two GOP senators who missed last year’s historic state lottery vote.

Turning to statewide judicial races, two state appeals court judges will square off for Justice George Wainwright’s seat on the N.C. Supreme Court. Democrat Robin Hudson has served as an appellate judge since 2001. Republican Ann Marie Calabria joined the appeals court in November 2002.

Incumbent Democrats Bob Hunter and Linda Stephens will defend their appeals court seats in the non-partisan November elections. Hunter will face Kris Bailey. Stephens will take on Donna Stroud.