Political newcomer Brien Lassiter has unseated incumbent Ahoskie Mayor Linda Blackburn.

According to the unofficial results from the Hertford County Board of Elections, Lassiter, a former Ahoskie Police officer, was named on 326 ballots, or 45.4 percent of the 718 total votes cast.

Blackburn, who has spent eight years in office, received 257 votes while another political newcomer, David D. Robertson, rounded out the three-person race with 135 votes.

In the only other Ahoskie race, incumbent Councilman Maurice F. Vann easily defeated Donald Kim Kirkland, 230-55, to retain his Ward B seat.

Ward A Councilwoman Elaine E. Myers was unchallenged for her seat. She received 324 votes.