Ruth Mayor David Guy Reflects on Moore's Election Defeat, Vows to Continue Serving

After helping Western North Carolina residents navigate Hurricane Helene recovery through Congressman Tim Moore's office, Guy says his commitment to Rutherford County remains unchanged.

Ruth Mayor David Guy says his commitment to public service will continue following Republican Congressman Tim Moore's election defeat, which will bring an end to Guy's work on Moore's congressional staff.

Guy has served as a key member of Moore's district constituent services, helping connect Western North Carolina residents with federal agencies and resources during the ongoing recovery.

Moore lost his reelection bid on November 3 to Democrat LaKesha Womack, who received 51.11% of the vote compared with Moore's 48.89%, according to unofficial election results.

The defeat will bring changes to the congressional office responsible for assisting constituents with federal matters, including unresolved disaster recovery issues.

In a Nov. 9 statement reflecting on his service, Guy said he remains grateful for the opportunity.

"Serving in the office of Congressman Tim Moore for the people of this district is an honor I don’t think I can replace," Guy said.

Although uncertain about his next professional opportunity, Guy said he has no plans to leave Rutherford County or step away from local government.

"To the people of this district that I have been honored to serve, I’m still here. I remain the mayor of Ruth and don’t plan on leaving," he said. "I’ll still be attending meetings, still be showing up, still be serving in whatever way I can."

Guy said his congressional work expanded his network of relationships across the region, connections he intends to maintain.

"I did it before this job, and I’ll continue afterwards, I just have an expanded network to draw on now," he said.

Moore Congratulates Womack

In his own post-election statement, Moore acknowledged the outcome and called on supporters to respect the voters' decision.

"While the election’s outcome wasn’t what we had worked for, we must all honor the results," Moore said.

He congratulated his Democratic successor and expressed hope for her success.

"Congratulations to Congresswoman-elect Lakesha Womack on her victory. I wish her success, because when our communities succeed, we all succeed."

Moore, a former North Carolina House speaker, said his nearly two decades of public service have not diminished his desire to continue serving.

"I’ve spent nearly half my adult life in public service, and I don’t expect that commitment to change," he said.

A Congressional Transition During Helene Recovery

Womack is expected to take office in January 2027, inheriting constituent service responsibilities in a district where communities continue rebuilding more than two years after Hurricane Helene.

Congressional offices help residents communicate with federal agencies, including FEMA, but cannot independently approve disaster assistance or direct federal funding decisions.

The change in representation will mean a new congressional staff and new points of contact for residents seeking federal assistance. Existing federal recovery programs and claims will not automatically end with the transition.

Guy praised his congressional colleagues and credited Moore with teaching him the importance of recognizing the responsibility that comes with public office.

He also thanked the emergency responders, agency workers and community members he encountered while helping constituents.

"You are the reason I serve. You make it all worthwhile," Guy said.

Moore closed his statement by thanking voters for the opportunity to represent them, while Guy emphasized that his work in Rutherford County is far from finished.