Glen Alpine gains new mayor, new alderman

In one of the most competitive races in Burke County, two incumbents and one newcomer came out on top in Glen Alpine’s aldermen races.

Seven candidates vied for three open seats on the board, setting up a contest that included three incumbents and four first-time contenders.

It was one of those newcomers that garnered the most votes.

Chad Wykle took the lead with 111 votes, followed by incumbents Jason Miller, who received 105 votes, and Sheila Perkins, who received 75 votes, just one vote more than newcomer candidate Lucas Huffman.

“I’m super excited and thankful for everybody for sure,” Wykle said. “It’s such a good town, you know, I do love Glen Alpine.” He added that his son, who recently turned 18 years old, was the first person to vote for him.

Wykle’s first priority, he said, is to hear from as many people in the community as he can to hear their wishes. He said another key focus is bringing business owners together to brainstorm ways to boost the town’s economic development.

“I just feel like Glen Alpine is on the cusp like so many good mountain towns along the I-40 corridor,” Wykle said. “We’re just perfectly situated near the gorge and near Lake James. I think there’s just lots of positives in place for us, and I think the first step is pulling the business community together.”

Perkins, who has been on the board since 2017, said she is excited for the positive outcomes in Glen Alpine. “I’m looking forward to four more years and am ready to have both Jason and Chad along for the journey,” Perkins stated.

Miller, who has been on the board since 2021, will serve another four years on the board. “I’m very thankful for the confidence Glen Alpine’s voters have placed in me again,” he stated.

His top priorities, he said, are to continue to push for transparency, responsible growth, and good communication between the town and its residents.

Michelle Lewis and her husband, Jody Lewis, received 64 and 42 votes, respectively. Michelle, who was appointed as mayor when Bob Benfield stepped down in 2024, said she wanted to run for an alderman seat to regain voting privileges. Jody ran alongside her for the first time.

“Thank you to everyone who voted for Jody and I in the Glen Alpine election,” Michelle stated. “Even though we didn’t win alderman seats, we still won! God has other plans for us and we’re ready for it!”

Huffman, who ran for election for the first time this year, thanked those who voted for him. “I appreciate the trust that they placed in me. Even though I didn’t win, that’s alright. There’s always next time, and I have full confidence in the candidates that were elected.”

Synthia Adams also ran for the board of aldermen for the first time. She received 34 votes.

The race for Glen Alpine mayor featured only one candidate. Mayor-elect Kevin Herron ran unopposed and will replace Michelle Lewis, who did not run for the post and instead ran for alderman. Herron received 142 votes, and there were 15 write-in votes in opposition.

According to Town Administrator Crystal Carswell, the swearing-in ceremony is typically held at the first scheduled meeting in December, which this year will take place at 6 p.m. on Dec. 8

All results are unofficial until 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 14, when the Burke County Board of Elections meets to certify results.