Voters will see new and familiar faces in local seats
{Jason Hayes/Photo Credit Davidson Local}
The results are in for the May 17 primary and general elections.
Jason Hayes has secured the top spot as Lexington’s next mayor. Hayes spent 50 years in Lexington and has been active in the community. The graduate of Lexington Senior High School and Duke University acknowledged the community that supported his family. A former COO, Hayes previously said he “would like to put his 30-year work experience to use.”
Hayes added, “There is so much great work to be done and I am looking forward to getting started with our new city council members and existing city staff. Lexington is a community that can work for everyone!” Hayes received 35 percent, John Clowney 27.59 percent, Rosa Terry 16.63 percent and Donald Holt, Sr. 15.92 percent.
“I want to thank everyone who supported me in my campaign and especially my family and friends. I also want to thank all of Lexington's citizens who support my vision for our community - one of continued growth and equity,” Hayes wrote in a statement to Davidson Local.
Hayes will be joined by newcomers John Burke (Ward 4), Keith Curry (Ward 1) and Matt Welborn (Ward 3). Previous council member Jim Myers will return to the council as a representative for Ward 2.
Lexington’s school board member Angela Knotts McDuffie retained her seat on the board. McDuffie said, “First of all, I thank God for allowing me once again to fulfill his purpose to serve on the Lexington City School Board. I am proud to have been chosen the Ward 5 representative. Thank you to all my Ward 5 neighbors for entrusting me.”
McDuffie was joined on election night by family and friends. She offered, “Thanks to you all! You all rock! Ward 5, I aim to continue to serve our students and the Lexington City School District with integrity and dignity! I will continue to be the voice and advocate for our children, our teachers and the district.”
{Contributed Photo}
A somewhat crowded county commissioner race left current commissioners Chris Elliott, Steve Shell and Karen Watford in top spots. Newcomer Matt Mizell earned a seat on the November ballot that will include Democratic challenger Tonya Lanier.
Elliott, who was the highest vote-getter, called the moment bittersweet for his family as they celebrate their first election after the loss of his father David Elliott. “Tomorrow, I get to celebrate,” Elliott said about his father’s upcoming birthday. “I miss him but I feel like he is here with me. I couldn’t have done it without prayer and all the support. My wife, my mother, my kids, dear friends. I’ve got a lot of church folks. It’s a community effort.”
{Shannon Elliott, Riley Elliott, Commissioner Chris Elliott and Shannon James/Contributed Photo}
Elliott referred to the tally as a clear call to support county employees. “The employees of Davidson County, their families and first responders had their voices heard. I made it a mission to make sure we're paying our folks. Listen to them, recruit and maintain them. Tonight, we see what they have done. They came out and voted for someone who has their backs. Take notes.”
To see the final election results, visit the North Carolina State Board of Elections.
