From Staff Reports

ASHEVILLE, N.C. —  A number of early-bird candidates have filed for several open positions for the City of Asheville and Buncombe County — and those planning to run in the 2026 primary elections have until Dec. 19 to file in North Carolina, Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on Dec. 5.

Asheville City Council

Jeffrey Burroughs has filed to run for Asheville City Council, along with Dan Ferrell, C.J. Snyder, incumbent Councilwoman Maggie Ullman.

Burroughs serves as the River Arts District Artists’ president, while also owning a boutique in the River Arts District. 

Burroughs’ website outlines a few of the main issues on which he is running, including affordable housing, support for small businesses and investing in flood recovery.

Ferrell’s website stated that he is a parent of two children, a former community organizer, and a software engineer. A few of the main issues Ferrell is running on are affordable housing, better food security and healthy communities.

At this Dec, 5, no information could be found on Snyder’s positions, News 13 noted.

Meanwhile, Ullman, who has served on council since 2022, is running again in 2026. 

Ullman’s website stated that she is running on creating resilient, climate-smart infrastructure, affordable housing — and a safe, connected community.

Asheville mayor

Councilwoman Kim Roney has once again filed to run for Asheville mayor against the incumbent, Esther Manheimer.

Roney’s website noted that she is running for office on the following issues: affordability, public safety, climate change and neighborhood resiliency.

Manheimer’s website stated that she is running for a fourth term on what is called “Build Back Better” vision that focuses on economic recovery and revitalization, enhanced community resilience and stability, along with greater opportunities for residents.

Buncombe County School Board

Candidates for the Buncombe County School Board include Rob Elliot, who represents District 3; Judy Lewis, who represents District 5; and Kim Plemmons, who represents District 6. 

Buncombe County sheriff

Gary Parris has filed to run for Buncombe County sheriff. Parris is a retired U.S. Navy officer. According to Parris’ website, he is running on a campaign focused on creating an environment for safe families, schools and communities.

Buncombe County commissioner

Anna Stearns, Terry Thread-Well and Al Whitesides have filed for Buncombe County Commissioner in districts 1, 2, and 3.

As previously reported, Stearns, a local attorney, is running for Buncombe County District Commissioner in District 1. According to Stearns’ website, the top priorities are Helene recovery, affordable housing, smart growth, children and families. Wells is currently representing District 1 as a Buncombe County District Commissioner. According to Wells’ website, is running for the newly drawn District 2. Whitesides, who currently represents District 1, is now running for District 3.

News 13’s “Comment Bubble” appearing after its story included the following assertions:

• lucky.lucy -— “VOTE BLUE.” 

• Ataboy56 — “Take the red pill, Ashville. Conservatives are the happiest people in the country. Liberals always look so unhappy all the time. It’s not hard to spot unhappy people.” 

• EHemingway — “Roney vs. Manhater  for mayor...  no good options there,  AVL continues its death spiral.” 

• WAVLNATIVE — “Liberal against liberal. Can’t wait to hear the things that will be said about each! One thing is for certain, neither will be getting my vote! VOTE STRAIGHT REPUBLICAN! The only way to straighten out this city!

• liberalcritic — “Go, Republican Party. We need to take back our streets from  the criminals and homeless in Asheville.”