Incumbent E.T. Mitchell fends off Dana Outlaw in Craven Commissioners District 4 primary

New Bern Mayor Dana Outlaw came up short Tuesday night in his bid to unseat incumbent E.T. Mitchell in the District 4 Craven County Commissioner primary race.

Mitchell will represent the Republican party in November against Democrat candidate Edwin Vargas for the District 4 seat. Vargas immediately moved on to the general election since no other Democrat filed to run for the commissioner seat.

In the unofficial primary count, Mitchell bested Outlaw by a total of 1,480 votes (62.79%) to 877 (37.21%).

Mitchell also came out ahead in the early voting numbers, bringing in 529 early votes to Outlaw's 345.

More: Incumbent commissioner to run against current New Bern mayor for District 4 seat

Primary 2022 Results: See live vote totals as they're reported Election Night

Mitchell was elected as a Craven County Commissioner in November 2018. She was appointed to the New Bern Board of Aldermen in 2016 after replacing former Alderman Pat Schaible. Mitchell served with Outlaw, who was the mayor at the time.

Outlaw has served on the Board of Aldermen for 16 years, the past eight as New Bern's mayor.

Mitchell could not be reached for comment.

This article originally appeared on Sun Journal: Craven County Commissioner: Mitchell to face Vargas for District 4