Cal Cunningham, the North Carolina attorney hoping to upend incumbent Republican Sen. Thom Tillis on Election Day, has apologized for sending racy texts to a female strategist.
"Would make my day to roll over and kiss you about now," read one of Cunningham's provocative messages to Arlene Guzman Todd, which was obtained by National File.
The steamy banter appeared to be reciprocal with Todd texting, "I have flexibility this month _ done with school, training, big (proposal requests), etc. So the only thing I want on my to-do list is you."
Todd has not commented on the incident, as of late Saturday.
Cunningham, 47, has been married to his wife, Elizabeth, for 20 years. The former state legislator is also an Army veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, according to his website.
"I have hurt my family, disappointed my friends and am deeply sorry," wrote Cunningham in a statement to The News & Observer of Raleigh. "The first step in repairing those relationships is taking complete responsibility, which I do. I ask that my family's privacy be respected in this personal matter."
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee made clear on Saturday that it's standing by its man.
Citing Cunningham's desire to protect Obamacare, reduce the cost of prescription drugs and assist the nation in its long-running battle with COVID-19, committee communications director Lauren Passalacqua said, "We are confident that he will bring the same courage and determination to the Senate as he has while serving our country in uniform."
Cunningham has held a steady lead in North Carolina _ a state won by President Donald Trump by about 3.5 points in 2016 _ in virtually every poll over the past three months.
The Hart Research Associates poll released Friday showed Cunningham up 13 points, while the latest ALG Research poll has Tillis trailing by 12 points, according to FiveThirtyEight.
Statewide, the presidential race is one of the tightest in the country with many recent polls showing the candidates running neck-and-neck.
