Black Mountain chooses fresh slate with Williams, Richardson and Milton
Three challengers take town council seats as Stone moves to mayor
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
November 3, 2026
Brittany Williams awaits election results, Nov. 3, at Old Town District in Black Mountain. Photo by Fred McCormick
Local voters opted for a new direction, Nov. 3, as a trio of challengers were elected to serve on the Black Mountain Town Council. Brittany Williams and John Richardson will each serve a full term on the governing body, while Cheryl Milton was successful in her campaign to fill the final two years of an unexpired term.
Current town council member Ryan Stone was elected mayor, garnering 3,600 votes in an uncontested race.
Williams led all candidates for town council with 2,941 votes, while 1,610 ballots were cast for Richardson, according to the unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections. The local business owner finished only 13 votes ahead of current mayor Michael Sobol, and 102 votes ahead of fellow business owner Michael Roberts.
Milton, with 2,147 votes, defeated the incumbent Larry Harris, who was appointed, last May, to fill a vacancy created by the resignation of Pam King.
Black Mountain voters chose a new direction for the town during this election, according to Williams.
“They’re saying they are looking for a better future for this town,” she said. “We can rebuild and be what we know we can be as a town. They’re also saying they have hope for our future and our past will not dictate where we can go.”
Richardson interprets the election results as a “vote for change.”
“Considering we finished ahead of the sitting mayor, who is a longtime politician in this town, even if by a small margin, there are a lot of people in this town ready to see change,” said Richardson, who hosted a watch party at Black Mountain Brewing. “The top three vote-getters are total outsiders.”
Milton expressed appreciation for the trust of local voters.
John Richardson and Cheryl Milton, right, greet Anna Sterns, Nov. 3, at Black Mountain Brewing. Richardson and Milton were each elected to the Black Mountain Town Council, while Stearns was elected to represent District 1 on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners. Photo by Fred McCormick
“I’ve heard all of the concerns about spending transparency, responsible growth, infrastructure and the future of our town, and I intend to take those concerns with me to the town council,” she said. “I believe taxpayers deserve answers and transparency, and they deserve to know how their money is being spent and that it’s being spent wisely.”
The election comes in a year that has included the resignations of the town manager, assistant town manager, two members of town council, the fire chief, police chief and town clerk. Establishing an environment that makes employees feel valued and appreciated is a priority for Williams.
“It is imperative that we get a town manager who can create a culture that allows staff to know they are valued, they can grow with this town and have the support of the community the are a part of,” she said.
Richardson, a partner in two businesses currently engaged in litigation with the town, joins the board he publicly criticized for more than a year.
“I’m honestly excited to contribute to this town,” he said. “This is an incredible town, and I am so thankful for the folks who participated in the process. I’m energized by the number of folks I’ve met who want to see this place be successful.”
Town council member Ryan Stone will become the mayor of Black Mountain, following his uncontested victory, Nov. 3, in the general election. Photo by Fred McCormick
Williams, who grew up in Black Mountain, characterized the feeling of being elected to represent the community as “overwhelming.”
“The amount of support and love I’ve received from people who live in town, out of town, out of state, has been extraordinary,” she said. “When you live a life where you create community and respect people regardless of where they fall, politically, they show up for you, because they know you’re there to do the work for people, instead of a political agenda.”
Pending the official results, Williams, Richardson and Milton will join the council in the December regular monthly meeting. Stone, who has served a total of 15 years in two separate tenures on the council, will assume the mayor’s seat.
The new board represents a “fresh start” for the town, according to Milton.
“This election is now behind us, and regardless of how anyone voted, we work for all of the citizens of Black Mountain,” she said. “It’s not about sides, it’s not about friendships or political differences, it’s about doing what’s best for the highest number of people in our community.”