Incumbent ousted in Jackson Republican chair race
David Rogers will face former Forest Hills Mayor Marcia Almond in November.
File photo
Mark Letson, the incumbent Jackson County Commission Chair who was the only commissioner to vote against leaving the Fontana Regional Library system, will not be returning to that role come November. Taxes were also an issue, but his library vote likely cost him as well.
Letson defended recent budgets as necessary to maintain services amid inflation and growth and argued that stability, transparency and measured fiscal management were critical during a politically turbulent period.
David Rogers, the challenger who emphasized lower taxes and tighter fiscal discipline, ended up with 39.8% of the vote, to Letson's 31%. Two other candidates totalled about 29% together.
Rogers criticized recent budget growth and supported withdrawing from the Fontana Regional Library system, framing the move as restoring local control. He argued county government had grown too quickly and needed stronger oversight, clearer priorities and spending restraint. He will go on to face former Forest Hills Mayor Marcia Almond in November.
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.
