A sweep of good fortune has recently come the way of Josh McConkey, a resident of Apex, North Carolina, who has found himself in the national spotlight thanks to a significant lottery win. The North Carolina Lottery announced that McConkey won a substantial sum of $757,000 by playing their Cash 5 game online, where he successfully matched all five balls. His unexpected windfall, however, is not earmarked for a lavish spending spree; instead, McConkey has his sights set on a political campaign.
Josh McConkey is not an ordinary civilian; he boasts an impressive resume as a U.S. Air Force Reserve colonel. With a background that also includes medical experience, McConkey is committed to leveraging his skills and expertise to serve the public by running for a seat in the U.S. Congress, as stated on his campaign website.
“It is definitely needed,” McConkey remarked to the Lottery with regard to his lottery winnings. He sees this financial boost as a tool to strengthen his position and bolster the opportunities to contribute positively to North Carolina’s future. The intent to pursue public office suggests a deep-seated desire to advocate for his community at a higher level of governance.
Playing with a personal set of numbers tied to significant dates like his children’s birthdays and his wedding anniversary, McConkey has long been a participant in the Cash 5 game. His persistence paid off, quite literally, when after mandatory taxes, he netted about $541,000 of his initial prize. He was sharing the joyous news with the Lottery when he admitted, “This is quite a day. I am still really in shock. It’s pretty wild.”
McConkey could have clinched the entire $1.5 million jackpot, but as fortune would have it, another lucky player also matched all five numbers, prompting the split of the winnings.
The Cash 5 game is a cornerstone of the North Carolina lottery, with tickets available both at physical retail locations across the state and digitally through the Lottery’s website or mobile app. The game entices players with a current jackpot standing at $175,000. Considering the odds of matching all five balls—which are 1 in 962,598—McConkey’s win signifies a remarkably rare stroke of luck.
Lottery tickets for Cash 5 and other games are accessible in person at various establishments, including gas stations, convenience stores, and grocery stores. Some airport terminals also provide the opportunity to play the lottery.
Access to lottery games has been further eased by the advent of technology. For instance, Jackpocket, a digital lottery courier and the official partner of the USA TODAY Network, offers services across numerous U.S. states and territories. Through a dedicated app, individuals in Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Texas, Washington D.C., and West Virginia can effortlessly pick lottery games, select numbers, place their orders, scan their tickets, and even claim winnings using a phone or home computer.
Jackpocket’s designation as the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network implies a symbiotic relationship with Gannett, which may earn revenue through audience referrals. However, users must abide by local age regulations for participation, which vary from 18+ to 21+ depending on the state. Jackpocket emphasizes responsible gambling, providing contact information for helplines and support services in various regions for those who may encounter gambling-related challenges.
As McConkey savors his luck and contemplates his potential next steps toward Capitol Hill, his story serves as a testament to the unexpected ways life can open new paths to public service. With his lottery winnings in hand, McConkey may soon find himself trading the rush of lucky draws for the rigors of political campaigns, and ultimately, the halls of Congress.
