Morganton election places one new face on council after unopposed races

In the county seat, the race for Morganton City Council was perhaps the least eventful. With two candidates running unopposed for separate districts, one incumbent will keep her seat, and another will embark on her first term.

Molly McKay, who has lived in Morganton for over 31 years, decided to run for city council because of her long-running interest in the city government. She will be filling Chris Hawkins’ District 3 seat and has been a frequent attendee of city council meetings, learning to prepare for her new role.

“I am honored and humbled to have this chance to serve our community,” McKay said. “I look forward to working with the other members of council and the excellent staff that serve the city. There’s so much to learn, but I will have dedicated teachers to help me along the way.”

McKay received 635 votes, and there were 21 write-in votes from her district.

Wendy Cato, who has been serving on the Morganton City Council since 2017, decided to run for another term to finish several projects the city is working on. Those projects include the revitalization at Bethel Park, restoring Catawba Meadows Park and Catawba River Greenway, along with several infrastructure projects.

Though she was unopposed, she received 612 votes to continue representing District 4. There were 33 write-in votes in opposition.

McKay and Cato will be sworn in by retired Judge Bob Ervin at the city council’s next meeting, which will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1.

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