It's King vs. Jinnette
By Ty Johnson
Published in News on May 9, 2012 1:46 PM
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Al King
Henry Jinnette
Goldsboro Mayor Al King ended Tuesday's primary on top, but will face Henry Jinnette in the upcoming general election.
King captured 63.88 percent of the vote, compared to Jinnette's 19.02 percent of the ballots cast, while perennial challenger D.A. Stuart was eliminated from the race after earning 17.1 percent of the vote.
Stuart pledged his support to Jinnette, honoring a promise he made earlier in his campaign as he seeks to topple King.
Jinnette was encouraged by the results, saying he looked forward to winning, and wouldn't likely change his campaign plans much.
"I'll probably do the same thing because it's been very effective," he said, adding later that he would probably work harder.
King said this was just another step toward his re-election bid.
"I don't really have much to say because this isn't over yet," he said. "There's another round to go."
The vote totals were 4,067 for King, 1,211 for Jinnette and 1,089 for Stuart.
The next election's date is still unknown however.
Due to redistricting, the city's election was postponed from November until this summer, but a federal law requiring overseas voters to have ballots 60 days ahead of any elections could mean secondary primaries -- if requested by candidates in any of the state's 13 congressional districts -- would be held July 17. If that is the case, the city's election will be held that day.
The next election's date is still unclear however.
If they are not held, the city election will be June 26.