As the curtains closed on another primary election, Forsyth County residents showed up in droves at the polls to vote for their preferred candidates. Now that the votes are in, let’s take a look at the new and returning elected candidates in North Carolina and Forsyth County.
Democratic candidate Josh Stein was reelected as the governor of North Carolina, winning against his opponent, Republican candidate Mark Robinson, by 818,212 votes. With Stein’s win, he will be tasked with North Carolina budgeting, appointing many new officials and will have a substantial role in legislation and laws, along with other tasks.
The elected lieutenant governor was Democratic candidate Rachel Hunt, winning against her competitor, Republican candidate Hal Weatherman, by 98,587 votes. Hunt will be entrusted with the position of president of the North Carolina Senate, which has the power to break a tie vote in the North Carolina Senate. Hunt will also be tasked with taking over the position as governor should Stein ever die, resign or be removed from office.
The newly elected attorney general was Democratic candidate Jeff Jackson. Jackson won against Republican candidate Dan Bishop by 182,617 votes. The attorney general position is elected to be the head of the Department of Justice, the federal executive department assigned to enforce federal law and carry out justice.
North Carolina represents 14 of the 435 seats in the House of Representatives. North Carolina elected ten Republican candidates to the House and four Democratic candidates. The House of Representatives is tasked with starting all revenue bills, impeaching civil officers and electing a President if there is no majority in electoral votes.
There were six newly elected members, three Democratic representatives and three Republican representatives, to be a part of the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners. The Board of Commissioners is tasked with managing the county budget, setting the county property tax and establishing and maintaining county policies.
The mayor of Winston-Salem will again be Allen Joines with 89,251 votes, winning with a 100% voting percentage. Joines has been serving as the mayor of Winston-Salem since 2001 and is charged with carrying out special responsibilities during emergencies, overseeing over all council meetings, representing the city at official meetings and casting a vote in the case of a tie.
There were eight members elected to be a part of the Winston-Salem council. There were seven Democratic candidates elected and one Republican candidate. The Winston-Salem council members are entrusted with setting tax and service rates, establishing sewer and water rates and providing for all ordinances as necessary for the general welfare of the city.
With the Forsyth County and North Carolina elections having concluded, the importance of civic involvement always continues. As we all embrace the new elected officials, everyone should remain active, informed and engaged to help build a vibrant and inclusive community.
