Jackson County Sheriff Doug Farmer cruised to reelection, winning the Republican primary against Brandon Elders.
Farmer, who first took office four years ago, took home over 72% of the vote.

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.

Casey Walawender will advance to November with a decisive win over three other Democratic candidates for Jackson County Commission's District 1.

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. 

To the Editor:

As former justices of the North Carolina Supreme Court, we’re writing with an urgent message. Please plan on voting in the Primary Election on Tuesday, March 3, by either early voting or on Election Day. There is one critically important primary race for judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals for Seat 3. We have all enthusiastically endorsed Attorney James Whalen for this seat and we encourage you to join us in our support for him. 

Many counties around Western North Carolina are working to address a host of similar issues — rapidly growing populations, a housing stock that can’t keep up, aging infrastructure and struggles filling staffing vacancies. Macon County boasts the second-lowest property tax rate in the state, but with capital projects on the horizon and pay raises demanded for several county departments, tough choices will need to be made by whoever is elected to the board in November. 

Voters in North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District have endured years of disaster and instability, just as national trends are shifting hard against Republicans. Democrats believe this is their best chance in years to flip the gerrymandered seat currently held by Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-Henderson). Five candidates are asking for that chance. 

Following his first four years as Macon County’s sheriff, Brent Holbrooks is facing a primary challenge as he seeks a second term. 

Following former Sheriff Robbie Holland’s announcement that he wouldn’t seek reelection in 2022, Holbrooks emerged from a crowded Republican primary field that included multiple candidates who worked in high-level positions in Holland’s office.

Amid growing financial concerns, Jackson County’s four Republican commissioners have spent the last few years fighting a culture war. On March 3, Primary Election voters will weigh in on their priorities. 

Over the past four budget cycles, Jackson County commissioners have overseen a steady expansion of county government, with the general fund growing from $71.7 million in fiscal year 2021-22 to $106.9 million in 2025-26, an increase of roughly 49% over five years.

Over the past three years, myriad crises both behind and ahead have forced Haywood County commissioners to govern in a constant state of triage. 

That wretched stretch has been defined by overlapping, compounding tests of governance and stamina, from the long tail of a historic storm and waylaid federal reimbursements to the postponement of property reappraisal, budgets tightened by inflation, escalating debates over housing and addiction, mounting requests from schools and human services, uneven tourism revenues and periodic public clashes within the board, all while leaders worked to chart a path forward and keep spotless the county’s stellar financial track record.