And he’s off: Republican David King starts commissioners race

Even though the election is more than 14 months away, the first Republican challenger officially started the race for the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners this week. Candler resident David King filed with the Board of Elections Aug. 10 to open a campaign committee.

The move paves the way for him to start raising — and spending — campaign money. The filing period to officially declare candidacy doesn’t start until February.

Under a new election system engineered by Republicans in Raleigh, King plans to run for one of two open seats in the 116th District, which encompasses much of the western part of the county, including Leicester and Enka. Voter demographics in the district seem to heavily favor Republicans.

All four incumbent commissioners and the board chair are up for reelection Nov. 6; all are Democrats. However, none of the incumbents live in the 116 District, so they will not be directly targeted by King or others running there. The new law mandates that the board expands to seven members.

Noting that the change to district elections “presents a new opportunity to get elected,” King says he’s running to “make sure the taxpayers’ voice is heard.”

“Spending is going to have to be scrutinized in a way it hasn’t been in the past,” he argues. “I feel strongly about protecting those who don’t live in municipalities.”

An Asheville native, King has worked in manufacturing and previously owned and operated the Starry Night retail and coffee shop in Hendersonville. Currently he’s working part time as a self-employed farrier.


Candler resident David King filed with the Board of Elections Aug. 10 to open a campaign committee.
Photo by Jake Frankel

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About Jake Frankel
Jake Frankel is an award-winning journalist who enjoys covering a wide range of topics, from politics and government to business, education and entertainment.

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2 thoughts on “And he’s off: Republican David King starts commissioners race

  1. Thad

    I have known David King for almost twenty years. He is a mature, responsible, and discerning gentleman whom I feel to be highly qualified to hold public office.

  2. Barry Summers

    Why doesn’t his bio include his Candler realty company, “A Personal Touch, llc”, of which he is listed as the principle realtor?

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