Newest Wake County commissioner will keep her seat on local board

There are three seats up for election on the seven-person Wake County Board of Commissioners this year. Who could fill them became a little clearer Tuesday night.

This is the first county election since the state changed how commissioners are elected.

Before 2023, candidates for Wake commissioner had to live in their geographic district but were elected countywide. Now they are elected only by people who live in their district.

The 2023 election change also expands the board by two at-large seats starting in 2026.

Here’s a look at the results as of 11:50 p.m. Tuesday in the 2024 primary in Wake County.

District 4

This district includes portions of southwest Raleigh, Cary and Holly Springs.

Incumbent Susan Evans, a Democrat who was first elected in 2018, is unopposed this year. She faced no challengers from her own party Tuesday and has no Republican opposition this fall.

“I appreciate the continued confidence the community has shown for me in my role as a commissioner,” she said.

District 5

This district, which includes portions of southeast Raleigh, Garner and Knightdale, was represented by longtime Commissioner James West, who died while in office in 2023. The Wake County Democratic Party nominated Tara Waters to fill the seat. She was appointed in January.

On Tuesday, Waters faced DaQuanta Copeland, vice chair of the Wake County Health & Human Services Board who unsuccessfully ran for Raleigh mayor in 2022.

With all 31 precincts reporting, Waters defeated Copeland 74% to 26%, according to final but unofficial results.

“The most pressing issues facing Wake County are related to economic mobility and include affordable housing, access to health care and maintaining strong public schools,” Waters told The News & Observer. “I also have a strong desire to have an impact on the experiences of children in foster care and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.”

There is no Republican challenger for this seat in November.

District 6

This district includes northern Wake County including Wake Forest and parts of north Raleigh.

Both Jacob Arthur and Darren Eustance were on the ballot for the Republican primary, but Eustance had suspended his campaign.

Arthur ran unsuccessfully for the Wake County Board of Education in 2022, his first attempt at public office.

With all 36 precincts reporting, Arthur had 80% of the vote to Eustance’s 20%, according to final but unofficial results.

“I am very thankful for the overwhelming support shown by the voters, and I’m looking forward (to a) victory in November,” Arthur said.

The winner of the Republican primary will face incumbent Shinica Thomas this fall.

Thomas, a Democrat, was elected in 2020 and is the current chair of the Wake County Board of Commissioners. She had no Democratic challenger Tuesday.

“I look forward to November,” Thomas said. “I am continuing to work hard as chair of the board and will continue to collaborate with our municipal, state and federal leaders and hope to earn the support of those Wake County voters who do not know me. We are better together!”