Asheville mayor Esther Manheimer and Vice Mayor Gwen Wisler advanced to next month's general election in the city, but outspoken city council Cecil Bothwell fell just short in his quest for another term. The primary whittled down the number of mayoral candidates from four to two, and city council candidates from 12 to six. Those remaining face off in the general election, which will be held on November 7th.
Bothwell finished 7th in the council race, just 106 votes from 6th place finisher Kim Roney. Businessman Vijay Kapoor was by far the leading vote getter in the council primary, followed by Sheneika E. Smith, Wisler, Dee Williams, Rich Lee, and Roney. Manheimer received more votes than anyone in the primary election, getting more than 77% of votes cast in the mayoral primary. She'll face Martin Ramsey in the general election. Early voting for the general election starts October 19th.
