MAXTON — Voters in Maxton chose Bethea McDougal Tuesday as its next mayor to take the place of Paul Davis, who did not seek reelection.
All of these totals are unofficial until certified by the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The town of Maxton is located within the boundaries of two counties so votes from each county are considered.
McDougal faced former mayor Emmett “Chip” Morton and Shelman Spencer for the mayor seat. McDougal was able to secure four votes in Scotland but it was his 203 votes from Robeson that secured his victory. Morton secured 11 votes from Scotland County and 89 from Robeson County. Shelman Spencer garnered 56 votes between both counties.
In a Facebook post, McDougal stated: “MAXTON WON TONIGHT! IM HERE FOR THE MAXTON COMMUNITY! I WANNA SEE EVERYBODY WIN IN MAXTON! EVERYBODY! The Best Education possible for our kids. Im not a Politician, im a community activist. Im just a kid from Maxton that Loves his Hometown I GOT WORK TO DO!”
Incumbents Paul McDowell and Toni Bethea were both able to retain their seats. McDowell secured the most votes of the night with 251 voting for him between Scotland and Robeson. Newcomer Michael Hines secured 222 votes and Bethea secured 204 votes edging out former commissioner James McDougald (174), Robert Macy (99) and Charnette Murphy (47).