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West returns as state's only elected county tax collector

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Tuesday, March 03, 2026
Haywood's new tax collector will have a familiar face. Haywood's new tax collector will have a familiar face. Cory Vaillancourt photo

Greg West is heading back to his old office in the Historic Haywood County Courthouse. 

West — the former Haywood County tax collector who lost to a Republican in 2022, switched parties and ran again this year — is a lifelong Haywood resident who rebuilt and stabilized the office after several crises. With years in tax administration and the highest tax collection rate in county history, he stressed his unmatched experience and qualifications during what became at times a heated contest.

With 52% of the vote, West easily prevailed over challengers Andrew Ferguson (25%) and Emily Sapp (23%). As no Democrat filed for the race, West will assume office later this year. 

Check back with The Smoky Mountain News for full results and detailed analysis across Haywood, Jackson, Macon and Swain counties in our March 11 issue.

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