Raleigh, NC -- Republican David Rouzer has conceded to Democratic incumbent Mike McIntyre in the race for a North Carolina congressional district.

Rouzer announced his decision Wednesday night after a completed machine recount in the 7th Congressional District showed McIntyre keeping a 654-vote lead over Rouzer from more than 336,000 votes cast.

McIntyre had a 655-vote lead before Rouzer requested the recount that began this week. The 12th and final county recount finished Wednesday evening. Rouzer could have asked for a more detailed hand-to-eye recount.

The concession means McIntyre will represent southeastern North Carolina on Capitol Hill for a ninth term. Rouzer is an outgoing state senator who once served in U.S. Sen. Jesse Helms' office.