Wake County Commissioners add new members in election
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
People wait to cast early ballots in Knigthdale, N.C., in October. Photo: Matt Ramey/AFP via Getty Images
The Wake County Board of Commissioners added two new at-large members, both Democrats, after Tuesday's election.
Why it matters: The commissioners hold a wide-range of responsibilities, from determining the property tax rate and public school funding to overseeing public libraries and health departments.
- They also voted 5-2 to approve amendments needed to advance WakeMed's proposed merger with Atrium Health, which still faces regulatory review.
Between the lines: The two new at-large members were created by a 2023 law filed by Republican state House Rep. Erin Pare that expanded the board and made the seven other commissioners elected via district rather than at-large.
- The change was viewed as a way to improve Republicans' chances of winning representation on the currently all-Democratic board.
- Republicans are currently shut out 7-0. But Democrats once again swept their elections.
- Districts 4, 5 and 6 were not part of this election.
Zoom in: Here's how Wake County voted:
At-large: With all precincts reporting, Democrats Christine Kushner and Mona Singh defeated Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski. Kushner got 34% of the vote and Singh earned 37%.
District 1 : Democrat Don Mial ran unopposed in District 1, which covers northeastern parts of the county, including the town of Zebulon and Wendell.
District 2: Incumbent Safiyah Jackson, a Democrat, won her election against Republican John Adcock with 58% of the vote. District 2 covers a large southern portion of the county, including part of Garner, Fuquay-Varina and Holly Springs.
District 3: Democrat Cheryl Stallings ran unopposed in District 3, which includes parts of Cary, Apex and Holly Springs.
District 7: Democrat Vickie Adamson is also running unopposed in her district, which includes parts of northwest Raleigh and Morrisville.
Zoom in: Wake County voters also approved two bonds on Tuesday, one to increase funding for new public school construction and HVAC repairs and another for Wake Technical Community College.