Kim Roney Defeats Incumbent in Asheville Mayoral Race

Kim Roney defeated longtime Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer to become the city’s next mayor, winning 57.88% of the vote. Roney campaigned on change, including making housing more affordable, attracting better-paying jobs, using mental health professionals to respond to crises, and making city government more open and inclusive. Her victory came amid broader Democratic gains in Western North Carolina and across the country.