2022 ELECTION RESULTS: Macon County elects new sheriff

With the close of the May primary election on May 17, Macon County now knows who its next sheriff will be. Brent Holbrooks was the top vote-getter in the field of Republicans running to replace outgoing sheriff Robert Holland, who has served in the position since 2002. Holland announced his retirement in June 2021.

“I don’t think it’s really sunk in yet, honestly,” Holbrooks said on Wednesday.

He said he was humbled and blessed to be elected. “First and foremost, I thank God for the opportunity and the health to run for sheriff. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to those who got out to the polls and voted. As we saw in this race, every vote counts and thank you for having a voice in this election. I am humbled to serve Macon County, and I promise to always do my best for the people and the families that live here. Thank you to all my family, friends and supporters who have worked hard on my behalf.”

Holbrooks received 32.21 percent of the votes with 2,368 ballots. Dereck E. Jones was the second-highest vote getter, receiving 2,314 votes (31.57 percent), a difference of 54 votes. Board of Elections Director Melanie Thibault said Jones can request a recount. The request must be submitted in writing by May 27, which is Canvass Day.

Holbrooks said he respected the other candidates who ran for sheriff. “I know each of us worked diligently throughout this campaign.”

He said the drug problem will be his top priority after being sworn in on Dec. 5, and he plans to enlist federal assistance through the Drug Enforcement Administration. “We’re going to tackle drugs head on,” he said.

Increasing patrol coverage in outlying areas, including Highlands and Nantahala, will be another concern he plans to address. “They deserve the same coverage as the rest of the county.”

The sheriff’s race will be uncontested in November with no Democratic candidates running.

Holbrooks carried the race in the Highlands precinct with 84 votes on election day, followed by Jones with 75 votes. In early voting, Jones received 110 votes during one-stop voting in Highlands, and Holbrooks received 72.

Holbrooks began his law enforcement career in 1999 as a deputy with the Macon County Sheriff’s Office. He said he was inspired by his father’s and grandfather’s decades of service to the county. His father, Homer, served as sheriff for 16 years before retiring in 2002.

The current sheriff came into office after a Holbrooks, and a Holbrooks will follow him after his retirement. “I think that’s really cool,” the new sheriff said.

Holbrooks wife, Sarah, is currently the assistant principal at Highlands School.

District 1 Commissioner race

In the District 1 County Commissioner race, John Shearl was the top vote-getter with 4,046 (58.61 percent) votes. Don Willis received 2,587 votes (41.39 percent).

There were no Democratic challengers on the primary ballot. In the November General Election, Shearl will face challenger Jerry Moore Jr. of Highlands, who collected enough signatures to run as an unaffiliated candidate.

District 1 includes the Highlands, Flats, Sugarfork and Ellijay precincts. Shearl led the votes in all four precincts: Highlands (172), Flats (45), Sugarfork (45) and Ellijay (148). In the district, Willis received 111 votes in Highlands, 27 in Flats, 27 in Sugarfork and 111 in Ellijay.

"I would like to thank God, my wife and family, all of the volunteers and everyone that contributed to my campaign. I could not have done it without all of you," Shearl said. "I would especially like to thank all of the voters who cast their vote for me. I am humbled and honored by the trust you have placed in me to represent you for District 1 Macon County Commissioner. I humbly ask for your continued support  and vote in the November 8th election."

Macon County saw a turnout of 35.88 percent with a total of 9,844 ballots cast on election day, during early voting and by mail.

U.S. Senate, House of Representatives race

The Democrats went into the primary with only two federal races on the ballot in Macon County – U.S. Senate and U.S. House of Representatives District 11.

In the high-profile District 11 race, incumbent Rep. Madison Cawthorn carried Macon County with 2,589 votes, but lost in the district. Republican challenger Chuck Edwards received 29,411 votes (33.40 percent) followed by Cawthorn with 28,092 (31.90 percent). Edwards will face Democratic candidate Jasmine Beach-Ferrara in November. Beach-Ferrara received 32,302 (59.61 percent) votes in the district race followed by Katie Dean with 13,927 votes (25.70 percent). Beach-Ferrara also carried Macon County with 585 voters (49.24 percent) followed by Katie Dean with 324 votes (27.27 percent).

In the U.S. Senate race, Democratic candidate Cheri Beasley will face Republican candidate Ted Budd to replace retiring Sen. Richard Burr. Budd received 445,280 (48.63 percent) votes statewide. Former N.C. Governor Pat McCrory was the second-highest Republican vote-getter with 186,729 (24.59 percent). On the Democratic ticket, Beasley received 497,378 votes (81.12 percent) followed by James L. Carr Jr. with 21,668 votes (3.53 percent). Beasley and Budd both won in Macon County with Beasley receiving 686 votes (58.48 percent) and Budd getting 3,588 (53.34 percent)

The unofficial primary election totals with all precincts reporting.

Sheriff

Brent Holbrooks – 2368 (32.21 percent) Winner

Dereck E. Jones – 2314 (31.57 percent)

Clay Bryson – 1123 (15.32 percent)

Chris Browning – 793 (10.82 percent)

Bob Cook – 732 (9.99 percent)

County Commissioner – District 1

John Shearl – 4,046 (58.61 percent) Winner

Don Willis – 2,857 (41.39 percent)

County Commissioner – District 2 (two seats)

Danny Antoine – 3899 (34.66 percent) Winner

Gary Shields – 3057 (27.18 percent) Winner

Danny Reitmeier – 1660 (14.76 percent)

Richard Lightner – 1388 (12.34 percent)

Gregg Jones – 1245 (11.07 percent)

Antoine and Shields will advance to the General Election when they will face Democratic challengers incumbent Ronnie Beale and Betty Cloer Wallace. 

Clerk of Court

Shawna Thun Lamb – 2820 (40.22 percent) Winner

Justin Stamey – 2579 (36.79 percent)

Michael (Mike) Trammel – 1612 (22.99 percent)

Lamb will advance to the General Election in November and face Democratic challenger Dinah Mashburn.

The winner of that race will replace retiring Clerk of Court Vic Perry, who has held the position since 2006. Perry has announced he will retire the end of May. Superior Court Judge William Coward will appoint an interim clerk to serve until the November election.

- By Mia Overton/The Franklin Press