District Attorney-Elect Jason Smith reacts to election win

PENDER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Republican candidate Jason Smith is the projected winner in the district attorney’s race against Democratic candidate Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson. Zimmer Donaldson was appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in September following Ben David’s retirement. 

Smith received 53% of the vote, while Zimmer Donaldson received 47%. 

WWAY spoke with Smith Wednesday following his projected win. He said he looks forward to serving the citizens of the sixth prosecutorial district, seeking to tackle violent crime and continue the pillars of Ben David’s “Star Fish Model” approach. 

Smith said first goal is to bring staff within the DA’s office together following a contentious race.

“I’m honored, I’m grateful,” Smith said. “I’m grateful to the whole community, I’m grateful to my office. I’m grateful to everybody that’s come up to me and said ‘we’re supporting you,’ across all aisles. Independents, Democrats, Republicans, it didn’t matter. They said ‘we’re supporting you and we’re behind you,’ and I think the vote last night showed that.” 

Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson will remain as the district attorney until Smith is sworn into office in January.