New Hanover Commission winners unchanged after vote canvass; recount possible

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — The top three finishers in the race for New Hanover County Commission are the same after the county’s board of elections canvassed votes today, though their order of finish did change.

Incumbent Republican Woody White led the field with 52,844 votes, or 18.13 percent of the votes cast in the Nov. 8 election. Fellow incumbent Jonathan Barfield, a Democrat, was second with 49,439 votes (16.96 percent) followed by Republican Patricia Kusek (49,386 votes or 16.94 percent). The initial vote tally after the election had Kusek slightly ahead of Barfield.

The top three finishers win seats on the commission. White appears to be the only clear-cut winner.

Democrat Julia Boseman, who finished fourth with 49,022 votes, and Republican Derrick Hickey, who was fifth with 48,956 votes, are both within the margin to call for a recount. They have until tomorrow at 5 p.m. to do so.

Democrat Nelson Beaulieu finished in sixth place with 41,892 votes.

Stay with WWAY for more on this story coming up tonight at 5 and 6 p.m.