Incumbent Fayetteville City Councilman Johnny Dawkins handily defeated political newcomer Fred G. LaChance on Tuesday in the election for the District 5 seat on the council, according to unofficial results.
“We’re keyed up,” Dawkins said Tuesday night. “I’m not going to be able to sleep for a while. It’s an exciting time.”
This would mark Dawkins’ fourth term in office.
Dawkins received 1,643 votes and LaChance received 750, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Dawkins, 63, has been a member of the City Council since 2017 and is a former chairman of the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce. He also served on the City Council from 2003 to 2005.
Dawkins, a health insurance and Medicare benefits consultant, campaigned on the issues of public safety, economic development and improving stormwater infrastructure.
Dawkins said he’s been in politics with his father, former Mayor J.L. Dawkins, since 1975.
“We got started early, No. 1; started working on the campaign in March 2021,” he said. “Then the pandemic and census delayed everything. Our team has been working and talking to constituents and listening to their concerns for almost a year and a half. I think being willing to work hard and be willing to listen is what matters with our citizens. My focus has been public safety and improving stormwater infrastructure. Our citizens care about our stormwater and infrastructure and good jobs.”
LaChance owns an antiques store on Bragg Boulevard. This marked the first time the 70-year-old Navy veteran has run for public office
“I would have liked to have seen a better turnout,” LaChance said. “We’ve got 12,000-plus voters in the district, and a little over 2,000 turned out. That’s just not good. But it is what it is. I think, personally, it’s the name (recognition for Dawkins). … I congratulate him. … I gave it a shot.”
