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Out of the four candidates running for two available positions on the Oakboro Town Council in the 2020 election, one incumbent and one newcomer earned victories Tuesday night.

According to the unofficial results, incumbent Chris Huneycutt and newcomer Lanny Hathcock finished first and second, respectively, in the election. Huneycutt led the way with 536 votes (29.16 percent) while Hathcock had 454 votes (24.70 percent). Jesse Lewis finished third with 417 votes (22.69 percent) and incumbent Latoya Jackson was fourth with 402 votes (21.87 percent).

Huneycutt thanked votes and said he was pleased “to have the opportunity to serve for another term.” He said he “looked forward to working with other members of the board to move forward with…the growth in Oakboro as well as maintaining the small-town feel as well.”

He added he wanted to work with the new board member, Hathcock, and hear from Oakboro’s citizens as to what is important to them, to represent all of them, not just some.

Hathcock said he knew it would be a close race, adding he would not have been disappointed if he lost but he was excited to win, thanking voters for trusting in him.

“I promise I’m going to do what I told them I would do. I’m honored they felt confident enough in me to vote for me; I won’t disappoint them,” Hathcock said.

He said he wants to represent the entire town and not certain people, noting Oakboro is about to see a lot of growth with Charlotte Pipe and Foundry coming to town.

“There are some challenges there that are going to have to be looked at; I look forward to tackling them…not everyone is keen on progression, but that’s what it is,” Hathcock said.

He added he is looking ahead for the benefit of future generations.

“They are the ones that are going to inherit the town in the end.”

Hathcock also encouraged people to participate more in the town’s affairs and attend town council meetings in person.

“Let your voice be heard.”