WILMINGTON — Seventh District Republican candidate Ilario Pantano will not seek a run-off against winner David Rouzer.

Pantano made the announcement in a news release Thursday. He also endorsed Rouzer, saying:

I ask that you help David Rouzer in his effort to build a Republican firewall here in southeastern North Carolina. If you truly believe that the future of America is at stake, as I do, than you and I cannot afford to delay in supporting David.

Pantano came up short in Tuesday's primary, capturing 45 percent of the vote. In 2010, he lost to incumbent Democrat Mike McIntyre.