N.C. Rep. Angela Bryant, D-Nash, will continue to make the commute from Rocky Mount to Raleigh during the next two years.

The appointed first-term legislator secured the Democratic nod for the November election by defeating challenger Jean Reaves of Roanoke Rapids in Tuesday's primary election.

Bryant won the primary with more than 10,000 votes in both Nash and Halifax counties.

Reaves received more than 3,000 votes.

With no Republican opposition for her seat in the N.C. General Assembly, Bryant will be the sole candidate during the November election.

Bryant, 56, a lawyer and consultant, was awaiting the primary election results Tuesday night in Roanoke Rapids.

"I'm really excited about the support we generated across both counties," she said.

Bryant was appointed to the N.C. House seat in January 2007 when former N.C. Rep. Edward Jones was chosen to fill the N.C. Senate seat of Robert Holloman, who died.

Reaves, 57, the director of Roanoke Valley Adult Day Care, said she was pleased with her campaign in her first-ever bid for a public office.

"We're disappointed," Reaves said. "But I feel really good about the people who supported me. It was a good, hard-fought race and it brought a lot of people out."

Reaves said she won't rule out another run for office. But for now, she said, it's too early to tell.

"Who knows what the future holds," Reaves said.

Bryant said that she will continue to focus on jobs, economic development and smaller communities in District 7.

Commenting on her wide margin of victory, Bryant said she feels that voters have confidence in her abilities as a legislator.

"I hope that means people have confidence in me and continue to support me," she said. "I think it makes a difference in how successful I can be."