Election results: Nieman defeats Taber to be next Orange-Chatham District Attorney
A longtime prosecutor took a strong lead Tuesday night to win the Democratic primary race for Orange-Chatham District Attorney.
Assistant District Attorney Jeff Nieman, who works in the Orange County DA’s office, secured 60.04% of the unofficial tally, compared with 39.96% for his opponent, Kayley Taber, a managing district attorney in the Chatham County office.
All 56 precincts had reported results as of 11:25 p.m.
The winner of the primary is expected to win the November general election, since there are no Republicans on the ballot, and will replace retiring District Attorney Jim Woodall. Woodall has served in the position since his appointment in 2005.
Taber had hoped to become the first woman to lead the prosecutor’s office in District 18, which covers both counties. That was one of the few differences between her and Nieman, both of whom touted progressive records based on criminal diversion, rehabilitation, and opposition to the death penalty.
In a post to Twitter following the results, Taber congratulated her colleague.
“Please join me in congratulating Jeff Nieman! A well run positive race! Forward together,” she said.
This story was originally published May 17, 2022 at 7:42 PM.
