At least two of Newton County’s larger municipalities will welcome new mayors this summer.

Municipal election primaries are scheduled for May 2. The general election is June 6.

In Newton, long-serving Ward 2 alderman Murray Weems will succeed two-term mayor David Carr, who isn’t seeking reelection. Weems is the sole candidate who qualified for the mayor’s seat.

On the board of aldermen, in Ward 1 incumbent alderman Michael Hillie will face Arthur Thompson in the Democratic primary, with the winner facing Norman Thompson in the general election.

In Ward 2, Bob Bridges, the sole candidate, will succeed Weems.

In Ward 3, incumbent board member Eva McDonald sees a challenge in the Democratic primary from former alderman Eric McCalphia, with the winner facing independent Brenda Body-Hardy in the general election.

Ward 4 incumbent Ray Payne is being challenged by Jesse Snow in the Democratic primary, while in Ward 5, incumbent Don Vares will face Democratic challenger Linda Wash in the primary.

Decatur

In Decatur, two candidates, David Marshall and Brian Evans, are vying to succeed Mayor Pat O’Neill, who is not seeking reelection. They will face off in the general election June 6. On the board of alderman, incumbent board member Max Anderson of Ward 1, Mark Buntyn of Ward 2 and Mike Harris of Ward 3 are all running unopposed. In Ward 4, Sid Etie is not running for reelection and will be replaced by Danny Cherry, while in Ward 5, Joy Hayes will be succeeded by retired ECCC President Dr. Phil Sutphin.

Union

Union Mayor Wayne Welch, who has served two terms, will see a challenge from local businessman Eddie Truhitt on June 6, while none of the members of the board of aldermen have competition in the election. Paul Lowery will keep his seat in Ward 1, Rex Germany will retain the Ward 2 post, Billy McCune will keep the Ward 3 post, Harvey Hickman will retain the Ward 4 seat, and Stanley Walker will retain the Ward 5 seat.

Hickory

After no challengers qualified for the election, Mayor J.C. Walsh will keep his seat, along with Ward 1 board member Billie M. Robinson, Ward 2 Alderman Greg Hudnell, Ward 3 Alderman Ken Morgan, Ward 4 Alderman Charles Guyse and Ward 5 Alderwoman Donna Ferguson.

Chunky

Mayor Aaron Clark will keep his seat, as no other candidates qualified for the office. Qualifying for the at-large aldermen seats are incumbents Jacky Johnson, Eric Gilbert, Jeremy Luke and Roger Shirley. Josh Maxwell will replace Dwayne Reynolds on the board.