The May 8 primary election promises to be a dramatic first act to the 2018 election cycle in Buncombe County.
Numerous candidates are seeking their party’s nomination for seats in county and national government. Five Democrats are jostling to plug the void left by retiring sheriff Van Duncan, four Democrats are hoping to fill an Ellen-Frost-shaped hole on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners, and five Republicans have jumped on the ballot in an effort to unseat seven-term Congressman Patrick McHenry.
Meanwhile, three-term Republican Congressman Mark Meadows is limbering up in preparation for a general election brawl with one of three Democratic candidates. Republican commissioner Robert Pressley is making similar preparations for a matchup against one of three local Democrats.
Republican Nathan West was originally running against fellow conservative Amy Evans for the chance to face off against Democratic incumbent John Ager for his District 115 House seat, but he has dropped out. He has thrown his support behind Evans, but his name will still appear on the ballot.
The sheer number of candidates means it’s likely that many voters will draw a blank on at least several names they spot on their ballots this year. In an effort to help voters differentiate between those candidates, Mountain Xpress sent questions to all those who are fighting for a nomination. Their responses have been published here to help voters make an informed decision.
Neither three-term Republican incumbent Mark Meadows nor his primary challenger, Chuck Archerd, responded to Xpress’s questions. Ira Roberts, a Republican candidate running against incumbent Patrick McHenry in the District 10 primary, also didn’t respond.
For more information on the Buncombe County district attorney and sheriff candidates, see Xpress’ additional reporting on the DA race and the sheriff race.
Early voting has already started for the 2018 primary election. Click here for more information about where and when you can vote. And remember: Those who are registered as unaffiliated voters may request a ballot for either major party’s primary.
Click the links below to see candidates’ answers:
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District 2 — Democratic Primary
Buncombe County Board of Commissioners District 3 — Democratic Primary
Buncombe County Sheriff — Democratic Primary
Buncombe County District Attorney — Democratic Primary
N.C. House of Representatives District 115 — Republican Primary
U.S. House of Representatives District 10 — Republican Primary
U.S. House of Representatives District 11 — Democratic Primary
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