One Vote Decides Morehead City’s Future

The Closest Race in Town History

The Morehead City mayoral race was as close as democracy gets. After the votes were tallied, Lee Stiles received 762 votes, while Jerry Jones received 761. A recount confirmed the razor‑thin margin, and Jones quickly filed a protest, claiming some residents were denied the right to vote because they lived outside city limits.

Candidate Backgrounds

Lee Stiles

• Former Morehead City Council member, known for his focus on local development and community engagement.

• Campaigned on fresh leadership and a vision for revitalizing Morehead City’s waterfront economy.

• Emphasized transparency and accountability, arguing that after decades under the same mayor, the city needed new energy.

• His victory speech captured the moment: “One vote counts. One vote matters. One vote makes a difference. One vote decided this mayoral race in Morehead City.”

  
  

Jerry Jones

• Served as Mayor of Morehead City for over 25 years, making him one of the longest‑tenured leaders in Carteret County.

• Known for his steady leadership and for overseeing years of growth in tourism and infrastructure.

• In his remarks after the recount, Jones reflected: “I hear all the time people say politics is a thankless job. I disagree with that. I think it can be a thankful job because I’m thankful for the opportunity to serve so many people for so long.”

• Filed a formal election protest with the Carteret County Board of Elections, arguing that some voters were improperly excluded.

  
  

Why This Race Matters

• Every vote counts: The Morehead City election is a textbook example of how one ballot can decide the future of a community.

• Leadership transition: Stiles represents a generational shift, while Jones symbolizes continuity and long‑term stewardship.

• Community divisions: The protest underscores lingering tensions about voter eligibility and fairness, issues that resonate far beyond Morehead City.

  
  

Closing Statement

The Morehead City mayoral race shows how local politics can be just as contested and consequential as national elections. With one vote deciding the outcome, residents are reminded that their participation matters — and that leadership, whether new or old, must always answer to the people.