Municipal Early Voter Turnout in New Hanover County Surges
Early voting numbers in New Hanover County have increased by over 50% compared to 2023, with approximately 12,628 voters casting ballots for municipal races in Wilmington and the beach towns, up from 8,077 in 2023.
This significant increase may be attributed to the competitive races for the Wilmington mayor and city council seats.
Candidates for Mayor and City Council
  - Mayor:
    
      - Democratic incumbent Bill Saffo
 
      - Democratic former New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield, Jr.
 
      - Republican newcomer Billy Craig
 
    
   
  - City Council:
    
      - Republican incumbent Luke Waddell
 
      - Republican Richard Collier
 
      - Democrat Cassidy Santaguida
 
      - Democrat J.C. Lyle
 
      - Democrat Chakema Clinton-Quintana
 
      - Democratic incumbent Clifford Barnett, Sr.
 
      - Republican Kelly Roberts
 
      - Republican Sean Guerrero (not running an active campaign)
 
    
   
Voters can select up to three council candidates for office.
Author's summary: Voter turnout increases significantly in New Hanover County.
    
more
        
 WHQR — 2025-11-03