Harrigan defeats Mills in close race in Republican primary for U.S. House

FROM STAFF REPORTS

Rep. Jeff McNeely survived a strong challenge from Purple Heart Homes co-founder John Gallina to win the Republican primary for the 84th District seat in the N.C. House.

According to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election, McNeely garnered 6,755 votes (55.2 percent) compared to Gallina’s 5,479 votes (44.8 percent).

“I just want to say thank you to the good people of Iredell County for once again trusting me to serve you in the North Carolina House,” McNeely said. “I hope we can unite and move forward to November. Thank you to all of the people who helped me with this campaign. You have my eternal gratitude.”

McNeely will face Democrat Chris Gilbert in the November 5 election.

Only 33,441 of Iredell County’s 139,221 registered voters — or 24 percent — cast ballots in the primary election.

U.S. House – District 10

Retired Green Beret Pat Harrigan narrowly defeated Grey Mills in the Republican primary for the seat being vacated by Rep. Patrick McHenry.

According to unofficial results, Harrigan outpolled Mills by 2,013 votes to represent the GOP in the November 5 general election.

Harrigan garnered 35,937 votes (41.21 percent) compared to Mills’ 33,924 votes (38.9 percent). Brooke McGowan was a distant third, followed by Charles Eller and Diana Jimison.

Mills easily won the Iredell County vote, collecting 13,209 votes, while Harrigan garnered 7,874 votes. But Harrigan made up the difference by winning in Catawba, Lincoln, Yadkin and Forsyth counties.

In the November 5 election, Harrigan will face Democrat Ralph R. Scott Jr. of Statesville and Libertarian Steven Feldman of Winston-Salem.

Iredell County Board of Commissioners

Incumbents Gene Houpe, Melissa Neader and Scottie Brown prevailed in a seven-candidate race for the right to represent the GOP in the November election.

According to unofficial results, Houpe was the leading vote-getter (12,113 votes), Neader was second (10,643 votes), and Brown third (10,111 votes).

” I appreciate the support of everyone and all the people that help me and I want to congratulate all the other candidates for running and look forward to continuing to serve the citizens of the county,” said Houpe, who is seeking his fifth term.

“I am pleased, thankful and honored to have the support and confidence of voters in the Primary Election!” added Neader, who is seeking her second term on the board. “I am ready to continue to be an active part of our county and work hard for our citizens!”

Brown said he was thankful to voters for the trust and support they have shown him

“Serving you and our community is a privilege and an honor that I do not take lightly,” he said. “Your dedication to our county, and your belief in my ability to represent your interests mean the world to me. I am committed to working tirelessly to make Iredell County an even better place to live, work and thrive for all of us.”

Richard Coleman finished fourth, followed by Brad Howard, Angela Matthews and William Compton.

Houpe, Neader and Brown will be on the November 5 ballot, along with Democrats Beverly Maurice and Bryan Adams.

Commissioners Referendum

By a narrow margin, voters approved a referendum to change the structure of commissioner elections. Over the next two election cycles, the board will switch to staggered seats with four year terms. Currently, three seats are on the ballot every two years, with the first- and second-place finishers receiving four-year terms and the third-place finisher receiving a two-year term.

I-SS Board of Education

In primary elections for two seats on the Iredell-Statesville Schools Board of Education, Kevin Angell won the Republican primary for the District 2 seat and Jinaki “Jai” Peele won the Democratic primary in the District 6 race.

According to unofficial results, Angell garnered 1,776 votes (65.8 percent) compared to Bobish’s 923 votes (34.3 percent).

“I am grateful to the voters in District 2 for their support during this primary election,” Angell said. “I am also thankful for all my family and friends who have in various ways been a part of this winning team. In the months leading into November’s general election, my priorities will be to further engage voters and key stakeholders, while judiciously familiarizing myself with the board’s activity.  I look forward to the work ahead.”

Angell will face Natalie Ramos, a Democrat, in the November 5 election.

Meanwhile, Peele received 350 votes (54.5 percent) compared to Hobson’s 292 votes (45.5 percent). Peele will face incumbent Doug Knight, a Republican, in the general election.

District Attorney – Iredell & Alexander counties

Incumbent Sarah Kirkman easily defeated former Statesville Police Chief David Addison in the Republican primary for district attorney for Iredell and Alexander counties.

According to unofficial results, Kirkman garnered 21,427 votes (72.5 percent) compared to Addison’s 8,128 votes (27.5 percent).

Kirkman faces no major party opposition in the November election.

District Court Judge – Iredell & Alexander counties

In the race for District Court judge for Iredell and Alexander counties, Courtney Marlowe defeated Melissa Stewart.

According to unofficial results, Marlowe received 18,445 votes (65.7 percent) compared to Stewart’s 9,630 votes (34.3 percent).

Marlowe currently serves as an assistant district attorney.