Jackson County Democrats have chosen the candidate they think can beat Republican incumbent John Smith in November.

Sean Bridgers is a Western Carolina University graduate who built a career as a working actor after growing up in Sylva. Bridgers opposed the county’s withdrawal from the Fontana Regional Library system and criticized rapid budget growth, calling for transparency, deliberation and responsible fiscal management.

The November commission contest will unfold amid mounting debate over government growth and cultural division. In recent years, Jackson County’s operating budget expanded markedly, leading to higher property tax bills and sharper public scrutiny. Supporters of the increases cited inflation, staffing demands and expanded services. Critics argued spending had accelerated beyond necessity.

The decision to withdraw from the Fontana Regional Library system intensified those disputes. Advocates framed the move as asserting local authority over library policy. Opponents warned it could raise costs and weaken regional cooperation. Together, fiscal pressure and the library controversy highlighted broader tensions about governance, transparency and the county’s future trajectory.

Bridgers' opponent has come under scrutiny, like fellow Jackson County Commissioner Jenny Hooper, for failing to attend meetings of at least one advisory board he was appointed to — the Jackson County Public Library board. Smith also violated state law by failing to complete state-mandated ethics training within the statutory 12-month period after his election.

Francis Owens, Bridgers' Primary Election opponent, came away with 31% of the vote, not enough to top Bridgers' 69%. 

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.