James “Pete” Shepherd is set to return as mayor of Salyersville after defeating incumbent Stanley Howard in Tuesday’s General Election. Unofficial results show Shepherd receiving 273 votes (51%), compared with Howard’s 241 (45%). Adam Lee King finished with 21 votes (4%). Shepherd previously served as mayor for approximately 11 years before Howard defeated him by just 10 votes in the 2022 election. Four years later, Shepherd reversed that outcome, finishing 32 votes ahead of Howard. Shepherd’s new term is expected to begin in January 2027, following certification of the election results. Source: Kentucky State Board of Elections #AppalachiaInsider #MagoffinCounty #Salyersville #Election2026 #KentuckyPolitics #LocalNews