Andrews – A hotly contested election for mayor ended on Nov. 4 with James Reid keeping his seat for a third term by just 14 votes.
“I’m very excited for the turnout we had in the Nov. 4 election. It was a very close race across the board,” Reid said. “We need to hit the ground running and make Andrews proud of us the next four years.”
Brandi Smith, who gave up her seat as alderman to run for mayor against Reid, said of the slim defeat, “My decision to run against a popular hometown figure was driven by the voices of people who are too often unheard. I knew it was a crucial moment to give the citizens of Andrews a better option for mayor, and I was ready to take on that challenge.”
For the two alderman seats, Chasity Ledford received the largest number of votes with a total of 193. Heath Woodard, a former Andrews police officer who ran for sheriff in 2022, was also elected with 176 votes.
Ledford – who has held positions on the local ABC, zoning and county fair boards – said, “As your alderwoman, I promise to lead with transparency, integrity and openness – to keep you informed, to listen to your voices and to make decisions that reflect the needs and values of our community.”
Woodard posted to his Facebook page, “Thank you to everyone who came out to vote in the Andrews town election today. I look forward to serving the wonderful citizens of Andrews.”
Candidates split time at the two polling stations in Andrews – the Recreation/Senior Center and Town Facilities Building, where citizens cast their votes for mayor and two board of alderman seats.
Reid, who had posted his celebration party would be held at Monte Alban restaurant, looked grim as the first of two precinct results came in with him behind. His come-from-behind win took about 25 minutes to finalize.
His supporters and family gathered to help celebrate.
Meanwhile, Ledford and Smith’s supporters gathered at Hoppy Trout Brewing Co. for pizza amid both celebration and consolation with Ledford’s win and Smith’s narrow loss.
On her Facebook page, Smith posted, “This campaign may have ended, but my dedication to Andrews has not. Together, let’s keep pushing for transparency, progress and respect for every citizen.”
In the lead-up to Election Day, Reid posted a series of videos describing his dedication to Andrews both on the board of aldermen and as mayor. He has referred to Ledford and Smith as “The Murphy Girls” and cast doubt in recent videos about whether their campaign funding was provided by interests outside of Andrews.
To that, Smith said, “My goal was never about politics or title, it was about hope. Hope for a stronger, more connected Andrews, for a community where every voice matters and every person feels seen and heard.”
Reid posted congratulations to Ledford and Woodard on their wins on his social media. Reid also posted pictures of his celebration with his children and grandchildren, adding, “This is what it’s all about: my kids. Thank you for supporting me and being the biggest part of my life.”
The alderman’s race had been plagued by a complaint filed by Alderman James Mclean against Alderman Steve Jordan disputing Jordan’s residency and eligibility to serve in town elected office. The case was filed with the Cherokee County Board of Elections, where Jordan lost, then went all the way to the N.C. Supreme Court before Jordan exhausted his appeals.
Also running for alderman were Rex Cable, an Andrews High School teacher and coach; and former alderman Gary James, who is retired from Cherokee County Schools.