ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Kim Roney defeated longtime Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer in Tuesday’s election, ending Manheimer’s 13 years as mayor and setting the stage for a change in leadership at City Hall.

Roney received 24,756 votes, or 58.28%, to Manheimer’s 17,418 votes, or 41.01%, according to unofficial results from the North Carolina State Board of Elections. Another 301 votes, or 0.71%, went to write-in candidates. All 40 precincts had reported.

But Roney didn’t have to wait for all the votes to be counted to celebrate.

Shortly before 9 p.m., Roney took the stage at The Grey Eagle after receiving a concession call from Manheimer. Supporters erupted in cheers as the news was announced. At the time, slightly more than half the precincts had reported.

“I’m honored to be the next mayor of Asheville,” Roney said to a standing ovation and cheers. “Asheville is a city of good neighbors. I’ve seen how much we care, and I’m forever changed by the time and trust each of you has poured into this campaign.”

Roney, who has served on City Council since 2020, thanked the volunteers and supporters who spent months knocking on doors, distributing campaign materials and encouraging people to vote.

“Those conversations and connections across the city made tonight’s win possible,” she said.

But she also made it clear that winning the election was only the beginning.

“Now we have to deliver on the promise to make the change we deserve,” Roney said.

She encouraged residents to get involved in city advisory boards and public engagement efforts, saying she wants to make Asheville a safe, affordable place where everyone belongs.

The victory marked a reversal from 2022, when Manheimer defeated Roney in their first race for mayor.

This time, Roney campaigned on bringing more transparency to City Hall and giving residents a greater say in decisions affecting their neighborhoods.

Manheimer, who became mayor in 2013, emphasized her experience and relationships with state and federal officials, particularly her efforts to secure funding for Asheville’s recovery from Tropical Storm Helene.

Both candidates made housing affordability, public safety and Helene recovery priorities, but they differed over how the city should tackle those challenges.

Roney argued that more city business should be discussed in public rather than behind the scenes. Manheimer maintained that conversations among council members, staff and residents are an important part of developing policies before decisions are made at public meetings.

Despite those differences, Roney thanked Manheimer for her years of service, particularly her work advocating for Asheville’s recovery funding after Helene.

Roney told supporters she would be sworn in next month and promised to continue building relationships across Western North Carolina and the state.

“We can take better care of our neighbors and our mountain home in Asheville,” she said. “Thank you for being part of this work and this win with me. Let’s stay together.”

The election results remain unofficial until certified by the Buncombe County Board of Elections.