Eason unseats Hastings in 110; King and Bridges Win Primary for commissioner Seats

By Chuck Thompson | The Shelby Independent

SHELBY – Of the 68,699 registered voters in Cleveland County, 11,806 (17%) participated in an unbelievably historic hard-fought primary, where newcomer Dr. Caroline Eason won the total district vote for the NC House 110 primary, unseating N.C. Representative Kelly Hastings.

While Eason lost by a tiny margin of a little more than three points in Cleveland County, she won the overall total vote thanks to Gaston County district voters, for a total clear win of 53.69% to 46.31%.

The Shelby Independent attempted to contact Eason, but she could not be reached for comment.  

Hastings posted his concession on social media, both on his account and on The Shelby Independent, by thanking his supporters, graciously conceding, and congratulating Eason on her win Tuesday night.

“Friends, it has been an honor to serve in the General Assembly of North Carolina, and to establish a positive legislative legacy. There comes a time to move to another phase of life, and, in many ways, my family and l are relieved.

I congratulate Caroline, and I will start transitioning the appropriations requests and other matters to her so that she can be briefed on the requests from constituents and stakeholders.

I am thankful that the people gave me the opportunity to be a servant leader in the North Carolina General Assembly. – Kelly.”

US Congressional NC District 14:

U.S. Congressman Tim Moore won the Republican primary in the 14^th Congressional District, over Kate Barr. He glided to the winner’s table with 87.59% of the vote here in Cleveland County, over Barr’s 12.41%.  Overall, he won roughly 83% +/- of the total vote.

In a statement Tuesday night, Moore thanked his supporters, by stating, “I'm honored that voters in North Carolina's 14th District have once again placed their trust in me as the Republican nominee for Congress. This strong support reflects confidence in the results I’ve delivered and the North Carolina values I'll continue to fight for - from restoring the American Dream for hardworking families to bringing common sense back to Washington. I'm grateful for the opportunity to keep serving and ready to win in November.”

NC Senate Race:

In the N.C. Senate race, Whatley secured the Republican nomination, while former Gov. Roy Cooper secured the Democrat nomination.

Should I mention the school board next and rip that band aid off quickly, or talk about the two commissioner seats next?

County Commissioner:

Newcomer and voter favorite “No New Taxes” Wayne King, was crowned the top vote-getter and the only fresh face to win a commissioner’s seat. King garnered the most votes out of the commissioner’s race, with 25.85% of the vote, and Doug Bridges came in second, also securing his name on November’s ballot, with 16.56% of the vote.

King took time Tuesday night to speak with The Shelby Independent, between shaking hands and chatting with people at the Cleveland Volunteer Fire Department on Tuesday night.

“I want to thank the citizens of Cleveland County for the confidence they showed in me tonight,” King said. “I promise I won’t let them down. I believe that we need to make sure that we live within our means and make sure Cleveland County is affordable again – I’ve heard that from the voters loud and clear, all across the county, and the election results showed that tonight. I also want to thank Commissioner Hardin for her service to this county, and to let everyone know that I look forward to working with this board, that we’re a conservative board, and we cut spending and do what’s right for the citizens of Cleveland County.”

King's son, Noah, expressed how proud he was of his father.

"I'm very blessed that my dad won the county commissioner race after suffering through a stroke last August," said Noah. "He's fault really hard through this, and he's going to do very well for the people Cleveland County - and, 'No New Taxes!'"

Commissioner Bridges sent a statement to The Shelby Independent after the results, reassuring his values and looking toward the future...

“I ran a low-key grassroots campaign. I try to be accessible to each and every constituent. I appreciate the trust placed in me. My priority has always been in people,” Bridges explained. “Public safety, education and economy, rural values. This will not change. Although I look forward to the November general election, there is still much work to be done in this term. We are just beginning to work on the budget, and the public safety building is nearing completion.”

Commissioner Bridges added, “I continue to work for all the citizens of this county and appreciate the opportunity I have been given. Thank you, and may God bless Cleveland County.”

CCS Board of Education:

The Board of Education, also known unofficially as ‘The School Board’, saw some expectations, some changes and a potential contested election result.

The 2026 school board hasn’t fully been decided – at least not until November, and there are already issues afoot immediately after the primary results.

Former school board member Robert Queen secured third place in the primary with 12.75% of the vote, while incumbents Danny Blanton, Ronnie Grigg and Aaron Bridges placed in the first, second and fourth primary seats, respectively.

Blanton was the top vote-getter, with 17.09% of the vote, Grigg secured the second most votes, with 15% and A. Bridges held on to the fourth primary seat with 11.86% of the vote.

Shelia Canipe came in a close fifth, with roughly a 0.2% margin difference between her and Bridges. Canipe said she will be contesting the vote count, which she confirmed to S.I. that Canipe will be requesting a runoff, but it’s possible a recount is more likely to be the final and only decider; this has yet to be determined and The Shelby Independent will update you on any news regarding the issue.

Bridges took a moment to thank his voters and acknowledge the news a runoff had been requested.

“I appreciate everyone’s support and am eager to see if the election results are final,” he commented to The Shelby Independent. “And I will always continue to do what is best for the district.”

Grigg, aka “Ronnie ‘Teflon Don’ Grigg” has taken a beating from an array of anonymous emails and texts filled with old mugshots and malicious accusations, but nothing seemed to stick to him, as proof of this was revealed Tuesday night when he received more votes than seven other candidates, except for Blanton who received about 500 more votes than Grigg.

Grigg spoke on his unexpected second primary win and thanked his supporters.

“If it wasn’t for the people truly seeing where I fit in with this, I wouldn’t be here now. It’s all because of the voters believing in what I have said and done, and proven. I wouldn’t be here without them, thank you to all that supported me,” Grigg noted. “If I could congratulate each and every supporter I would, but I’m so thankful and look forward to continue working for the people of Cleveland County, especially our students, and treating everyone fairly and I’ll be there for you when you need me.”

Blanton, who dominated the vote once again in the Board of Education primary, expressed his thankfulness immediately after the results.

 “I want to thank everybody that went out to work for me and every last voter I want to thank them from the bottom of my heart, I’ll be working for them, as long as I’m there. And I need all your support in November! I need everybody’s help in November to kick – to win in November,” Blanton said, before walking away to shake hands and congratulate other candidates.

Brandon Bridges, who ran a good race as a newcomer, but lost the primary, didn’t comment if he would run again, but showed his support to the primary winners and also thanked his supporters, too.

In a statement on Facebook, B. Bridges noted in part, “…So many people advocated for me, it was surprising. I ran a clean campaign and have no regrets. Going forward, I speak in support of those who made it past the primaries in the main election, and wish them the best to make Cleveland County Schools a better place for children, teachers and the administration.”

The general election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.