Andrews – Alderman James McLean is challenging Alderman Steve Jordan’s eligibility to run for re-election, alleging that Jordan doesn’t qualify to run because he doesn’t live inside the town limits.
McLean filed a formal challenge with the Cherokee County Board of Elections against Jordan on July 22.
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McLean wrote, “He does not reside in the city limits” and justified his allegation writing, “I know he does not live in his registered address.”
On his Facebook wall, McLean said on July 24, “Steve Jordan does not live inside city limits of Andrews NC and is not eligible to run for office he has lied on his application for a couple terms. This makes him a liar and a crook is this what we want to represent the town?”
McLean told the Cherokee Scout, “I know he hasn’t lived there in that house at all this term. His stepdaughter lives there. I know where he lives on Upper Valley Road, and he should either annex his property or drop out of this race.”
Jordan said he will fight the challenge.
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“I own four houses all over Andrews, but 116 Graham St. is where I receive all of my mail, all of it,” he told the Scout. “That is my main residence. I think people know I work out of town a lot, too, and if I’m not there every night they think you don’t live there. They’re just trying to stir up some bull (expletive).”
Board of Elections Director Leighsa Jones said a hearing will be held at 9 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 7, in Courtroom 2 at the Cherokee County Courthouse in Murphy, when board members will listen to both sides “to provide evidence for their respective stances.”
“An outcome will be determined with the conclusion of the hearing,” she said.
Jordan said he will appear at the hearing and come with a lawyer “and all the rules and regulations of the General Assembly. I’ve spent 20 years on this board, and my whole deal is to make Andrews a great place to live. I’m here for the people, and that’s why they’ve elected me.”
Jordan is among five candidates competing for two seats on the board. There is also a mayoral race with two candidates.
McLean is not on the ballot; he was elected in 2023 for a four-year term.