Photo image courtesy Edmond Dantes | Pexels
With early voting now underway, Wake County voters are heading to the polls to decide dozens of local races that will shape the coming future of the region’s towns and cities. From Cary to Zebulon, issues of growth, infrastructure, and representation dominate the 2025 municipal elections, and enthusiasm appears to be running high.
Early voting across North Carolina began October 16th and runs through November 1st, with Election Day set for Tuesday, November 4th. The Wake County Board of Elections has reported strong early turnout at sites such as Cary’s Herbert C. Young Community Center, where lines reportedly stretched into the parking lot during the first week.
Cary: Balancing Growth and Representation
Cary voters will decide three Town Council races this year, an At-Large seat and the District A and District C seats. The ballot features familiar local leaders and several newcomers: Marjorie K. Eastman and Carissa Johnson are running At-Large, while Brittany Richards faces incumbent Jennifer Robinson in District A. In District C, Renee Miller faces Shuangshuang Huang, known locally as Bella Huang.
Growth management remains the central issue. Cary’s population boom continues to test the town’s infrastructure, housing supply and traffic systems. Candidates have emphasized balancing rapid development with preserving community character, while town officials have hosted a series of public forums to encourage informed voting.
Apex: A Crowded Field and Big Questions
In Apex, eight candidates are competing for three at-large seats on the Town Council, making it one of the most competitive races in the county. The list includes Tyler James Evans, Ed Gray, Mary Miskimon, Sue Mu, Kyrone Nebolisa, Andre Powell, Shane Reese and Aditya Ahlawat.
Candidates in Apex are grappling with familiar suburban challenges such as urban development, traffic and maintaining infrastructure amid rapid growth. With three open seats and no mayoral contest this year, the Town Council races are drawing particular attention. Voters and local observers say the results could shape Apex’s development policies for years to come.
Wake Forest: Mayoral Showdown and Infrastructure Priorities
Farther north, Wake Forest voters face a high-profile mayoral race between longtime incumbent Vivian Jones and challenger Ben Clapsaddle, a sitting commissioner. Meanwhile, five candidates are competing for two open commissioner seats: Nick Sliwinski, R. Keith Shackleford, Jasmine Zavala, Haseeb Fatmi, and Thomas Dement.
Wake Forest has been one of the fastest-growing municipalities in the county, and infrastructure is front and center. Candidates have voiced concerns over traffic, road safety and downtown revitalization, while residents continue to debate how to preserve the town’s small-town feel amid steady expansion.
Holly Springs: Rapid Growth and Local Identity
Holly Springs is another fast-growing southwestern Wake County town facing questions of infrastructure and identity. Incumbent Mayor Sean Mayefskie faces a challenge from Mike Kondratick, while six candidates, Joe Cuccurullo, Annie Drees, Tim Forrest, Kara Foster, Sarah Larson and Josh Prizer, are seeking three at-large council seats.
Both mayoral and council candidates have focused on traffic congestion, school capacity and sustainable development. The town’s rapid expansion over the past decade has created both opportunities and tension, as residents seek to maintain Holly Springs’ community feel while accommodating new neighborhoods and businesses.
Fuquay-Varina: Political Energy and Growth Management
In Fuquay-Varina, Mayor Blake Massengill is seeking reelection, while Bryan Haynes and Kristopher Vorren are among the candidates running for the Board of Commissioners. The town continues to expand southward, with new residential developments raising concerns about infrastructure strain and long-term planning.
Both local party organizations have increased their involvement, with Democrats and Republicans vying to flip or retain control of key municipal boards, a sign of heightened political engagement in what are traditionally nonpartisan contests.
Knightdale, Wendell and Zebulon: Eastern Wake in the Spotlight
Eastern Wake County towns are also seeing energetic campaigns. In Knightdale, candidates like Grady Bussey are running on themes of improved road networks and expanded public transit to match the area’s rapid population growth.
In Wendell, the Board of Commissioners race features Deans Eatman, BJ Barham, Dustin Ingalls and Wes Jones. With several incumbents stepping down, new leadership is expected, and candidates have focused heavily on balancing growth with maintaining Wendell’s small-town identity.
Farther east in Zebulon, Mayor Jessica Daniels Harrison is seeking reelection alongside commissioner candidates Davarus Gardner and Quentin Miles. As development from the Raleigh metro area pushes east, Zebulon faces pressure to plan for growth without losing touch with its rural roots.
Election Administration and Local Control
This year’s elections also unfold under new local leadership. Recent changes at the state level shifted control of county elections boards from Democratic to Republican majorities across North Carolina, including in Wake County. Local boards determine early voting schedules and polling locations, raising questions about administrative changes and access to the polls.
Still, turnout so far appears strong. Election officials report that interest in this cycle has been stronger than in past odd-year elections, suggesting voters are aware that local decisions, from zoning and utilities to roads and recreation, have an immediate impact on daily life.
Early Voting and Voter Reminders
Early voting continues through Saturday, November 1st, and registered voters may cast their ballots at any early-voting site in Wake County. Voters must bring a valid photo ID, as required by state law. Those uncertain about their polling place or district can confirm details on the North Carolina State Board of Elections website at www.ncsbe.gov/voting.