Lucky man wins £600,000 on the lottery - uses winnings to run as a politician

17 February 2024 , 07:00

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Josh McConkey said he will use the money to finance his campaign for a seat in the U.S. Congress (Image: NORTH CAROLINA LOTTERY)

A man who won big in an online lottery has said he plans to use his winnings to run for Congress.

Josh McConkey of Apex, North Carolina said he will use the money to finance his campaign for a seat in the U.S. Congress, according to a report from the North Carolina Lottery.

U.S. Air Force Reserve colonel McConkey won $757,000 (£600,000) and has set up a website to back his run for congress, saying he wants to use his experience as a physician and serviceman to help his constituents.

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"It is definitely needed," McConkey said of his lottery win. "It is going to help us and put us in a position to help North Carolina."

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He told the Lottery that he had been using the same numbers to play the Cash 5 online game for a long time. "I have numbers that I use with my children's birthdays and my anniversary and those types of things," he explained.

McConkey took home about $541,000, after tax, according to the North Carolina Lottery. "This is quite a day," McConkey said at the time. "I am still really in shock. It's pretty wild."

McConkey took home about $541,000 after tax (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

He split the $1.5 million jackpot with another winner who also matched all give numbers. Cash 5 is a North Carolina lottery game with tickets on sale at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores or it can be played online.

McConkey says if he was elected he would focus on fiscal responsibility, security and the opioid crisis on his website.

It says: “Dr. (Colonel) Josh McConkey is a respected US Air Force Reserve Colonel, physician, and a passionate advocate for leadership and community service. He is running for Congress, committed to using his extensive military and medical experience to serve his constituents and strengthen our country.”

“Dr. McConkey's leadership philosophy is rooted in his over two decades of service in various leadership roles in the military. He understands the importance of strong leadership in achieving success and making a positive impact on people's lives. His leadership ethos, ‘Be the Weight Behind the Spear,’ emphasizes the importance of hard work, dedication, and a strong sense of purpose in achieving success.”

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