Fuquay-Varina (NC) Welcomes New Mayor, Two Commissioners in Emotional, Supportive Swearing-In Ceremony
A packed Town Hall welcomed Mayor Harris and Commissioners Haynes and Vorren as Fuquay-Varina marked a leadership transition centered on gratitude, reflection, and broad community support.
Fuquay-Varina, NC, Dec. 1, 2025 — A standing-room-only crowd filled the Town Hall Board Room on Monday night as Fuquay-Varina ushered in a new era of leadership, swearing in Mayor William H. Harris, Commissioner Bryan Haynes, and Commissioner Kristopher Vorren during a ceremony marked by prayer, personal reflection, and heartfelt tributes from outgoing officials.
The tone was set early when Rev. Dr. Reginald Lowery opened the meeting with a prayer acknowledging the historic nature of the transition. “This is a historic event, one that we’ve never experienced before, and we give you thanks,” he said, asking for “divine wisdom” and “strength to do what he needs to do” for the new mayor.
“I’m going to be the first to call you Mayor, officially.”
Wake County Superior Judge Keith Gregory, who administered the oath to Mayor-elect Harris, mixed humor with reverence as he recounted being asked to swear in the mayor-elect.
Harris, a lifelong Fuquay-Varina resident whose remarks later centered on promises, family, and community, repeated the oath line by line as the audience looked on. After being sworn in, he formally assumed the gavel for the first time.
Later in the ceremony, Harris spoke of his roots in Fuquay and Varina, recalling dirt streets that “turned to mud streets when it rained” and the lessons he carried into leadership. He tied his public service to the promises he made early in life, first to his grandmother, then to a teacher, and later to the community.
He also acknowledged the shared responsibility ahead:
“The people have empowered us with the opportunity to make a difference in your life… One of my campaign promises is… creating a city with a small-town feel.”
Commissioner Bryan Haynes: “Mom, we did it again.”
Next to be sworn in was Commissioner Bryan Haynes, returning for a new four-year term. Wake County District Court Judge Damion McCullers, a longtime friend, administered the oath and opened with a story about their relationship.
“He called me, and he said he really would like for me to administer this oath… I told him I would absolutely be here… as he is always there for me,” McCullers said.
Haynes’ own remarks were among the most emotional of the night, centered around family and perseverance.
“Mom, we did it again,” he said, pointing to his mother. He spoke of growing up in a single-parent home where “so many people doubted us,” and told the story of 95-year-old Ada Mae Jackson, who insisted on voting for him despite being in severe pain.
“She said she was not going to the hospital until she voted for me… but she never returned home,” he said, pausing as the room fell silent. “Her strength, her loyalty, her belief in me will stay with me forever.”
Haynes also made clear that he intends to keep the momentum going:
“Four years ago I ran on a promise, and I completed everything I pledged to do. I’m gonna do the same this next four years.”
Commissioner Kristopher Vorren: “I’m the new guy in town.”
Newly elected Commissioner Kristopher Vorren also took the oath surrounded by family. State Senator Lisa Grafstein praised the town before administering the oath, telling the audience: “You have just a beautiful, beautiful town here… a gracious and loving place… and really well run.”
Vorren expressed gratitude to former Mayor Blake Massengill and outgoing Commissioner Jason Wunsch, both of whom reached out after Election Day.
He acknowledged the steep learning curve of local government, “the manager gave me an onboarding book that was about this thick,” he joked, and thanked the volunteers and residents who supported his campaign.
“I have to say it is a huge honor and privilege to be able to serve. Ultimately, we are all here to support Fuquay-Varina going forward.”
A Night of Farewells, Gratitude, and Continuity
While Monday marked the beginning for Harris, Haynes, and Vorren, it also featured emotional farewells to outgoing Commissioner Jason Wunsch and former Mayor Blake Massengill, two leaders whose long service helped shape the town’s modern era.
Wunsch delivered a heartfelt and often tearful reflection on his 12 years in office, describing road improvements, infrastructure expansion, public safety milestones, and his relationships with each board member. Several described him as a steady, thoughtful voice who spoke rarely but always meaningfully.
Massengill, who served eight years as commissioner and four as mayor, was honored with a formal proclamation, a personalized gavel, and even a NASCAR driving experience. He expressed deep gratitude to staff, residents, and colleagues before offering a warm congratulations to the incoming board.
A united board ready to move forward
The ceremony closed with remarks from Mayor Pro Tem Marilyn Gardner and Commissioner Charlie Adcock, who praised the outgoing leaders and welcomed the new ones.
Gardner described the evening as “a historic night” and spoke of Harris’ longstanding vision for “a seamless society.” Adcock reflected on Fuquay-Varina’s growth from fewer than 20,000 residents in 2012 to more than 50,000 today, crediting leadership transitions as part of a larger, ongoing story.
“Let’s roll our sleeves up and keep making Fuquay-Varina a great place to be,” Adcock said.
As the board recessed before its business meeting, Mayor Harris looked over the crowd and summed up the night’s theme of gratitude and responsibility.
“I want to make sure I’m accessible… The people have empowered us with the opportunity to make a difference,” he said. “I thank each of you so much for coming.”