Kondratick Elected Mayor of Holly Springs (NC), Council Gets Two New Members, Change Also Comes to Apex and Fuquay-Varina Councils

Holly Springs, NC, Nov. 4, 2025 — In a defining race for the fast-growing town, Mike Kondratick has defeated incumbent Sean Mayefskie to become mayor, earning 55.9% of the vote (5,185 to 4,085) as tallied by the North Carolina State Board of Elections at 11:09 PM tonight (website).

Kondratick, a communications professional and longtime resident, ran on a message of open government and collaborative decision-making. Mayefskie, elected in 2021, had championed business recruitment and infrastructure investment during his term.

Holly Springs’ voters also reshaped the Town Council, electing two newcomers, Sarah Larson and Kara Foster, while also re-electing Annie Drees.

Town Council results:

• Annie Drees — 5,356 (19.7%)

• Sarah Larson — 5,091 (18.8%)

• Kara Foster — 5,065 (18.7%)

The new leadership team takes office amid accelerating development and major transportation projects, with several significant commercial and residential proposals already under review.

Apex: Two Newcomers Join One Returning Council Member

Apex voters chose Sue Mu, Shane Reese, and incumbent Ed Gray to fill three open Town Council seats. Gray, the current Mayor Pro Tempore, brings experience and continuity, while Mu and Reese will serve their first terms.

Town Council results:

• Sue Mu — 8,499 (22.9%)

• Shane Reese — 8,318 (22.4%)

• Ed Gray — 8,184 (22.0%)

The results preserve stability while adding new perspectives to a board that has managed Apex’s rapid expansion through long-term planning, infrastructure investment, and an emphasis on maintaining the town’s character.

Fuquay-Varina: Harris Becomes Mayor, New Commissioners Elected

In Fuquay-Varina, longtime commissioner William “Bill” Harris won the mayor’s race with 56.9% of the vote (4,243 to 3,191), defeating incumbent Blake Massengill. Harris, known for his collaborative leadership style and deep community roots, succeeds Massengill after a term marked by rapid population growth and downtown redevelopment.

Voters also re-elected commissioner Bryan Haynes and elected Kristopher Vorren to fill the town’s two open Board of Commissioners seats.

Board of Commissioners results:

• Bryan Haynes — 5,321 (40.9%)

• Kristopher Vorren — 3,715 (28.6%)

The town’s new leadership team inherits ongoing infrastructure and water system projects, as well as a steady influx of new residents in the southern and western parts of town.

Broader Trend: New Energy Across Wake County’s Growing Towns

Across Wake County, this year’s elections brought a wave of fresh voices into local government, many of whom emphasized transparency, thoughtful development, and the preservation of small-town character amid record growth.

Several of Wake County’s largest suburban towns, including Holly Springs, Apex, and Fuquay-Varina, now feature councils with a mix of seasoned public servants and first-time officeholders, setting the stage for a more diverse and community-focused era of local leadership.