Todd Wetherington News-Times
Originally published by the Carteret County News-Times
MOREHEAD CITY — A new era officially began in Morehead City on Monday evening as longtime mayor Jerry Jones passed the gavel to his successor, former city councilman Lee Stiles.
Stiles was sworn in as Morehead City’s new mayor during the March 16 special-called session after he defeated Jones by more than 900 votes in the second election for the city’s mayoral seat, which was held during the March 3 primary.
During the first race between the two candidates, Jones fell short in the November 4, 2025, municipal election by one vote. A new election was ordered by the North Carolina State Board of Elections to run concurrent with this month’s primary in response to a protest filed by Jones, who alleged irregularities and potential misconduct by county poll workers.
Jones has occupied the city’s mayoral seat since November of 1999 and served six consecutive terms. Stiles was sworn onto the city council in December 2023 for a four-year term that would have concluded in 2027.
After taking his oath of office surrounded by his family, Stiles said he was still in disbelief about his new role.
“It’s hard to believe,” Stiles said. “But it feels amazing just to have so many people believe in me, so many people love me and trust in me, so I don’t take it lightly.”
Stiles said he was looking forward to meeting with city staff and working for the citizens of Morehead City “on projects with water infrastructure and public safety, just hit the ground running.”
After passing the gavel, Jones had words of encouragement for Stiles.
“I hope that the mayor’s office remains of the highest esteem. Honor those who came before you, and all the others from the beginning of time for Morehead City. Congratulations,” Jones said.
Mayor Pro Tem George Ballou was also sworn in Monday for his sixth term.
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