Swearingen ousts Lambeth for Kure Beach mayor

KURE BEACH, NC (WWAY) — In Kure Beach Dean Lambeth was looking for a fourth term as mayor. But unlike two years ago, when he ran unopposed, he faced a challenge from Town Commissioner Emilie Swearingen.

Swearingen won Tuesday. She says she believes off-shore drilling was an important factor in this year’s election.

“It’s exciting,” Swearingen said. “It’s also a relief. And it’s beginning to hit me what a truly big responsibility it’s going to be.”

Out of the three candidates for Kure Beach Council, voters had to pick two. David Heglar received 449 votes, and Joseph Whitley had 370 votes to claim the open seats. John Ellen finished out of the running with 167 votes.