Joe Grandy narrowly re-elected in Washington County mayoral race

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL) — Washington County voters have granted Joe Grandy a second term as county mayor. 

After securing the Republican nomination in May, the incumbent Republican defeated independent candidate James Reeves by just 141 votes in the county general election.

Tensions between the two candidates recently escalated after Reeves claimed that Grandy “and his donors want beer” at the upcoming Appalachian Fair. Grandy refuted the claim and said the mayor has no say in the matter. He also threatened to sue Reeves for libel over that claim and others.

“The good news is, truth overcomes lies and it’s a good day in Washington County,” Grandy said following his victory.

Thursday night, Reeves told News Channel 11 that “nothing I said that was completely out of line.”

“You guys deserve what you got, you didn’t vote,” Reeves said. “He’s yours for four more years. I’m not going to say anything about what I’m going to do in the next four years, I don’t have a clue. But I may be done. You’ll have to deal with him.”

Last month, Grandy told News Channel 11 that if re-elected, he would continue to focus on economic development and advancing regionalism.