Republicans sweep local races in Burke County

Since the Republican Party began its absolute domination of local politics in Burke County more than a decade ago, Election Day surprises have become as scarce as feathers on a fish.

That rule held fast again in Tuesday’s midterm voting, with Republicans cruising to easy victories in every local race. Indeed, a number of GOP candidates had no Democratic opposition at all.

(A notable exception in a semi-local race — incumbent Congressman Tim Moore was upset by Democrat LaKesha Womack. Story on 1A.)

Clerk of Court Crystal Carpenter, Sheriff Banks Hinceman, District Attorney Mitch Walker, Eastern District School Board Member Leslie Ritchie Taylor, and Western District School Board Member Aaron Johnson were reelected with no opponents.

In each of the Superior and District Court races involving Burke County, the Republican candidates also had no opposition.

Incumbent County Commissioners Randy Burns and Phil Smith easily turned back a challenge from Pam Genant, and Central District School Board Member Tiana Beachler trounced her Democratic opponent, Mark Smith.

Hugh Blackwell of Valdese, one of the senior members of the N.C. House, easily topped challenger Wesley Hendrix, and veteran Sen. Warren Daniel of Morganton did the same to Kyle Whisnant.

Between early voting and those who went to the polls on Election Day, 30,238 voters cast ballots in Burke County, a little less than half of those who were registered.

Those who did vote on Election Day did so under near perfect weather conditions for early November — bright, sunny skies and a temperature hovering in the low 70s.

Here are some reflections from a few of the winners in the 2026 midterms:

Tiana Beachler

Beachler said her top priority when her new 4-year term begins is completion of the new elementary school in eastern Burke County. She also intends to keep a close eye on the budget.

Two other areas Beachler wants to focus on are creating more internship opportunities for students and offering students in foster care as much support as possible.

Strengthening relationships with local employers is how she plans to increase internship opportunities for students.

“I’m not talking about, ‘Come and shadow me,’ and they do nothing,” Beachler said. “I’m talking about paid internships. I know the money’s there. Everyone’s saying they’re hurting for employees, so getting our kids … prior to graduating, out there exploring careers in Burke, and hope that will keep them here.”

Beachler said Burke County Public Schools Director of Student and Family Services Dillon Sain does an excellent job keeping tabs on foster kids and ensuring they have what they need, but she hopes to dive deeper and see if the district can do more.

Rep. Hugh Blackwell

Blackwell, who will be sworn in to his 10th term in the N.C. House in January said he is “pleased and gratified” that Burke County voters have the confidence in him to return him to Raleigh once again.

As to how things will shake out with the Democrats now controlling the House, Blackwell said, “It’s too early to tell. I don’t know many of the newly elected members at all.”

While he is hopeful that Democrats and Republicans can work bipartisanly in Raleigh, he said that on some issues, for some members, “There is no middle ground.”

He did add, however, that a degree of cooperation will be required with the House in Democratic hands and the Senate controlled by Republicans. “Under our Constitution, a bill cannot become law without the approval of both chambers.”

As to what committees he may be assigned, Blackwell said, “The Democrats will totally dictate that in the manner they choose.”

Sen. Warren Daniel

Sen. Warren Daniel declined to speculate on how the newly divided General Assembly will operate, saying, “While I appreciate the opportunity to discuss these topics, I believe any substantive answers at this point would be premature.

“The election canvass is still nine days away,” he continued. “The results of the election have not yet been certified, and the newly elected members of the House and Senate have not yet convened to organize and elect their respective leadership teams. Until those steps are complete, it is difficult to know how the chambers will be structured or how priorities will be advanced in the coming session.”

Rep. Destin Hall

Hall, of Caldwell County, who served as Speaker of the House during the last term of the General Assembly, released the following statement following the 2026 General Election results:

“All across the country during this election cycle, Republicans faced the worst political environment of our lifetimes. I’m proud of the hard work of House Republican members and candidates all across our state who fought against insurmountable odds.

“Tonight’s results in North Carolina are disappointing for many across our state. But tomorrow we must pick ourselves up and continue to work for conservative policies that made our state successful.

“I congratulate Robert Reives and his caucus on their victory tonight, and I look forward to working with him in the next biennium.”