In the November 2012 general election, Forest defeated the Democratic nominee, former state representative Linda Coleman, by an extremely small margin—Forest received 2,187,728 votes (50.08%) to Coleman's 2,180,870 (49.92%).11/06/2012 OFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS - STATEWIDE , North Carolina State Board of Elections. Coleman opted not to seek a recount, although the margin was small enough for her to be entitled to one.Coleman concedes race for lieutenant governor to Forest , Associated Press (November 19, 2012). He was sworn in on January 7, 2013.
