According to figures described by Hubbard's campaign, the challenger leads Foxx by just 99 votes. The Associated Press had not called the contest as of Monday.

Hubbard, speaking about the moment he learned of the lead on election night, described a scene of sudden celebration. He and his wife were leaving an election party around 1 a.m. when supporters rushed out with the news.

"Jubilation. Absolute jubilation," Hubbard said. "We took a few steps out into the parking lot. And the door burst open and everyone was screaming we had gone ahead by 99 votes."

Despite the razor-thin margin and the race's unresolved status, Hubbard has already traveled to Washington, D.C., for new member orientation.

"Getting set to kick off and do the things we need to do, and learn the things we need to learn, in order to hit the ground running," he said.

Hubbard said his priorities in Congress would include addressing affordability, inflation and corruption.

He also credited his daughter, Meredith, with motivating his decision to run. After Donald Trump's 2016 election victory, Hubbard said, she called him upset about the potential for discrimination and the future of the Supreme Court's Obergefell decision, which established a constitutional right to same-sex marriage.

"As a father that does something to you," Hubbard said. "You can do a lot of things, but do not mess with my children."

Foxx has represented the 5th District in the U.S. House for more than 20 years. The district spans northwestern North Carolina communities, including Boone and parts of the Greensboro area.

Hubbard said he expects provisional votes to be counted and released in the coming days. If Foxx requests a recount, he said he is prepared to follow that process.

"We're feeling good," Hubbard said. "We expect to win this race."

The contest is one of the closest in the country and could determine the final balance of power in the U.S. House. Provisional ballots are typically counted after election officials verify a voter's eligibility, a process that can take days or longer depending on the volume of ballots and any challenges.

North Carolina law allows for a recount in close races, and the trailing candidate may request one once results are certified. The State Board of Elections oversees county-level canvassing and certification.

For voters in the sprawling 5th District, the outcome will determine who represents them in Washington on issues ranging from the economy and health care to democratic governance and the courts. Hubbard's emphasis on affordability and anti-corruption messaging echoes themes that resonated with voters across North Carolina in this year's midterms, where Democrats made gains statewide.

Foxx, a veteran lawmaker, has not publicly conceded, and her campaign has not indicated whether it will seek a recount. Requests for comment from Foxx's campaign were not immediately returned.

Election officials are expected to release updated vote totals as provisional ballots are processed. The Associated Press will continue to monitor the race and has not projected a winner.