Six candidates are running for three positions on the Macon County Board of Commissioners. The Smoky Mountain News met with these candidates to discuss their platforms, backgrounds, and where they stand on some of the important issues facing their would-be constituents.
All five spots on the board are held by Republicans, and three Democrat challengers hope they can persuade voters to go blue in a county that swayed 68% in favor of President Donald Trump in the 2024 election.
These candidates spoke about their views on some hot-button, county-level issues such as data centers, redistricting, capital projects, Flock cameras, and the Fontana Regional Library system.
Lone incumbent, District 1 representative John Shearl declined to speak with SMN over the phone or in person for this article.
