Norris Ousts Bell for District Attorney in Primary Election

Unofficial primary returns show significant changes ahead for Rutherford County government, including the defeat of a sitting district attorney.

According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, 11,349 ballots were cast out of 46,735 registered voters in Rutherford County. Results remain unofficial until county boards complete post-election audits and formally certify totals under state law.

District Attorney: Norris Defeats Bell

In the most closely watched local race, Republican challenger David Norris defeated incumbent District Attorney Ted Bell in the 41st Prosecutorial District, which includes Rutherford and McDowell counties.

Norris received 9,305 votes (65.25%) to Bell’s 4,955 (34.75%), leading across all voting methods:

• Election Day: 4,512 to 2,510

• Early Voting: 4,759 to 2,427

• Absentee by Mail: 34 to 18

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With no Democratic candidate filing for the seat, Norris is positioned to take office following the November general election.

Sheriff Secures Second Term

Sheriff Aaron Ellenburg won re-election with more than 81% of the vote, defeating challengers Jamie Dunn and Jason Wease.

County Commission: Three New Faces

All three open seats on the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners were contested in the Republican primary after incumbents declined to seek re-election.

Allen Hardin won a five-candidate race with 35.27% of the vote. With no Democratic opponent filed, he is commissioner-elect.

Adam Yelton defeated Jason Toney with 61.72% (5,304 votes) and faces no Democratic challenger in November.

Scott Haynes won his primary decisively and will face Democrat Phil Burney in November, setting up the county’s most competitive local race this fall.

Board of Education Contests

Several school board races were decided or advanced to November:

Erica Carson Davenport won her primary. Joshua Millwood defeated incumbent Brandi Nanney and will face Erica Carson Davenport in November. Kayla Settle beat Baylee Short and advances to face Democrat Kisha McDowell. April Mayse defeated Tonja Pratt. She was the only incumbent to win and does not have a Democratic opponent on the November ballot, according to candidate filings.

Clerk of Court

Incumbent Clerk of Superior Court Steve Owens won re-election with 62% of the vote over challenger Kandy Hoyle, based on unofficial totals.

Judicial Races

In the District Court primary, Robert Martelle defeated Andrew LaBreche 8,357 to 5,151. Martelle advances to the general election without a Democratic opponent.

In the statewide Court of Appeals Republican primary for seat one, Michael Byrne defeated Matt Smith.

State and Federal Races

In the Republican primary for North Carolina House District 113, Jake Johnson defeated former Rep. Mike Hager, carrying Rutherford County and other parts of the district. No Democratic opponent is expected in November following a withdrawal, according to state election data.

In the Republican primary for Congress for NC-14, incumbent Tim Moore defeated Kate Barr.

In the race for U.S. Senate, Michael Whatley carried Rutherford County and will advance to the general election. He will face Roy Cooper, who won the Democratic primary.

What Happens Next

Under procedures established by the North Carolina State Board of Elections, county boards conduct post-election audits and canvass results before certification. Certification ensures accuracy and finalizes official outcomes.

Precinct-level data, turnout details and full contest results are available through the state’s online elections dashboard.

With multiple incumbents stepping aside and a high-profile upset in the district attorney’s race, voters have reshaped Rutherford County’s political landscape heading into November — signaling a new era in local leadership.