Tuesday’s election brought a change in control in Jackson County, Republican victories in Haywood and Swain, and a Democratic win in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate race.
Former Governor Roy Cooper is the projected winner of the U.S. Senate seat, defeating Republican Michael Whatley, according to the Associated Press. Cooper will succeed Republican Thom Tillis, who did not seek reelection.
In the state Senate, Republican Kevin Corbin won a fourth term representing District Fifty, defeating Democrat Tom Downing with about 58 percent of the vote. The district includes Jackson and Swain counties and most of Haywood County.
In Jackson County, Democrats swept all three commissioners’ races on the ballot, giving the party a three-to-two majority. Marcia Almond defeated David Rogers for commission chair. Casey Walawender won the District One seat over Steven Sutton, while Sean Bridgers defeated incumbent John Smith in District Two.
In Haywood County, Republican Mark Mease won the sheriff’s race, defeating Democrat Tyler Howell with nearly 55 percent of the vote. Republicans also captured all three available county commission seats. David Burnette, Jeff Stines and incumbent Tommy Long won, keeping the board entirely Republican.
In Swain County, Republican Brian Kirkland will remain sheriff after defeating Democrat David Southards with about 65 percent of the vote. Republican Robby Brown won the county commission chairman’s race over Democrat Jeramy Shuler and unaffiliated candidate Fred Crawford. Republicans Lisa Barker and Jay Kirkland also won seats on the board.
The election results remain unofficial pending canvass and certification.
