The 2025 Wake Forest election delivered a decisive result: Democrats swept every contested race on the ballot, reshaping the political landscape of one of North Carolina’s fastest-growing towns. Here is a breakdown of the Wake Forest election results, what they mean for local governance, and how this shift could affect the community going forward.
Wake Forest Election Results: Who Won
🗳️ Results
Mayor
Board of Commissioners:
Because Clapsaddle previously served as a commissioner, his move to the mayor’s office creates a vacancy on the five-member board. Under the town procedure, the remaining commissioners will appoint a replacement after the new board is sworn in this December.
What the Wake Forest Election Means Going Forward
This Wake Forest election outcome signals a clear desire among voters for new direction in town leadership. With Democrats now holding the mayor’s office and a board majority, residents can expect changes in priorities around fiscal policy, development, and community engagement. Because Clapsaddle previously served as a commissioner, his move to the mayor’s office creates a vacancy on the five-member board that remaining commissioners will fill by appointment.
Wake Forest Matters will continue to provide independent coverage of town governance as the new leadership takes office.
Tom Baker IV is the publisher of Wake Forest Matters, Wake Forest’s only independent local newsroom. A Wake Forest native, Navy veteran, and intelligence professional, Tom launched Wake Forest Matters to bring serious accountability journalism to his hometown. Tips and story ideas: publisher@wakeforestmatters.com