Primary results set Nov. face off for NHCO commissioner and BOE seats

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY-TV) — Results from the New Hanover County Democratic primary for county commissioner have come in.

Incumbent Rob Zapple alongside current school board member Judy Justice, Wilmington City Councilwoman Salette Andrews and community advocate LeShonda Wallace were on the ballot.

The two top vote getters are Zapple and Wallace who will face off against two republican candidates in November.

Zapple says his priorities will remain the same as he looks to the general election.

“Clean drinking water, protection of our unique coastal environment, best public education that we can have from pre-K all the way up to community college and of course most important managing the growth of New Hanover County,” Zapple said.

Wallace will be joining Zapple on the November ballot she said she’d like to see the board revisit affordable housing and better resources fro schools.

“Whether it’s resources for our schools to our educators have essential things and resources so that all our children can have an exceptional learning experience,” Wallace said.

A packed ballot for four seats on the board of education. Five Republicans including three incumbents and six Democrats ran. Brittnei LaRue came in with the most votes and will be joined by Wendy Dale, Jerry Jones Jr and Rick Southerland in the general election.

“I don’t know what to say, I’m humbled I’m gonna continue the same way consistently to earn your trust and thank you so much for believing in me,” LaRue said.

In the Republican race Pat Bradford, Josie Barnhart, Amy Dunning and Chris Sutton will be joining the four Democrats on the general election ballot.