Henderson County voters choose new leadership

Unofficial results from the November 3, 2026 election show changes across Henderson County, including a new mayor in Hendersonville, a flipped state House seat and a new combination of voices on the county school board.

Results reported on election night remain unofficial until the county canvass, scheduled for November 13.

Jerry Smith Jr. wins Hendersonville mayoral contest

Former Hendersonville City Council member Jerry Smith Jr. defeated Mayor Pro Tem Jennifer Hensley for mayor.

With all 14 city precincts reporting, Smith received 3,725 votes, or 54.06 percent, compared with Hensley's 3,153 votes, or 45.76 percent.

Incumbent council members Gina Baxter and Melinda Lowrance also won the two open City Council seats, with 4,226 and 3,410 votes respectively.

House District 117 changes hands

Democrat Lynne Russo defeated Republican Chelsea Walsh in the closely watched North Carolina House District 117 race, 22,710 votes to 21,180.

With all 27 precincts reporting, Russo led 51.74 percent to 48.26 percent, flipping the seat after a candidate reshuffle earlier in the campaign.

The district includes parts of Henderson County affected by Hurricane Helene, where recovery and growth have remained prominent issues.

School board results

In the three-seat county Board of Education contest, Republican Alyssa Norman led with 29,161 votes, followed by Democrat Mary Ellen Kustin with 28,561 and Republican Randy Beaver with 26,633.

Incumbent Shelia Dale finished fourth, narrowly behind Beaver, and Reid Barwick finished fifth.

The mix of winning candidates marks an important change in the county's education leadership.

Turnout and wider races

Henderson County election officials reported voter turnout of about 51.8 percent of 93,070 registered voters.

In the broader Western North Carolina contests, Democrat Jamie Ager defeated Republican Jennifer Balkcom for the 11th Congressional District, and former Governor Roy Cooper won the U.S. Senate race.

Voters and candidates should rely on the county and state election boards for certified totals and any changes during canvass.

For 828 Daily, these results will help shape conversations about schools, community growth and recovery across Henderson County.