Sportsplex debate loomed over Davidson County GOP commissioner primary
The Southmont Sportsplex project was not on the ballot in the Davidson County Republican primary, but it remained one of the most discussed issues among voters.
With four open seats and 12 Republican candidates in the race, the project surfaced repeatedly at polling sites, campaign events and on social media. Some voters said they were supporting candidates who opposed the complex or who they believed would reconsider the project.
“There isn’t much we can do — millions of dollars will have been spent before we take office,” one candidate said during the campaign. “But I don’t like the way the public didn’t have a chance to speak before the decision was made.”
According to unofficial results of the 2026 Republican primary, the top four vote-getters advancing to the general election are:
Matt Mizell — 6,436 votes (17.66%)
Dexter Short — 6,196 votes (17.00%)
Dwight Cornelison — 4,775 votes (13.10%)
Robbie Beasley — 4,112 votes (11.28%)
They will face Democratic challengers Tonya Lanier and Andrea Tate in the Nov. 3 general election.
Two incumbents, including current Davidson County Board of Commissioners Chair Karen Watford and Commissioner Steve Shell, lost their seats in the primary, according to unofficial results.
Commissioner Matt Mizell, who initially voted for the Sportsplex “with some hesitation,” had previously announced he would not seek reelection before later reversing that decision and entering the race. Mizell publicly addressed his reasoning in both instances. Mizell voted 4-3 against the staff recommendation in March 2025 to allocate the $65 million. Mizell said, “Both Commissioner Kester and I spoke in favor of it initially but decided to oppose it after citizen feedback and other pressing priorities in the county.”
In a statement to Davidson Local following the primary, Mizell thanked voters and outlined his priorities.
“I’m incredibly grateful to the citizens of Davidson County for the trust they placed in me during the primary,” Mizell wrote. “If given the opportunity to continue serving after the general election, my focus will remain the same: responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, balanced growth that preserves our county’s character and strong support for our schools and law enforcement. I look forward to working with the new commissioners to ensure our decisions reflect the values and priorities of the people of Davidson County.”
During the campaign, Davidson Local reporter Sharon Myers asked candidates about their views. The issue surfaced in each conversation, with all four of the top vote-getters referencing the project as a major concern. While their positions varied, candidates repeatedly pointed to questions about cost, location and the level of public input surrounding the decision.
Newcomer Dwight Cornelison expressed strong opposition to the project.
“I will vote to defund the Sportsplex because of the bad location, lack of support in the community and forcing taxpayers to fund speculative investments,” Cornelison said. “Ensuring student success, promoting small businesses, public safety and safeguarding our farmland and forests are top priorities for me.”
Candidate Dexter Short also cited the project as part of broader concerns about county leadership.
“I also believe they have lost touch with the citizens of this county,” Short said. “The Sports Complex is just one illustration.”
Outgoing Chair and retired educator Karen Watford, who supported the project, defended the complex as a county investment in children.
“We are building a sports complex for all our citizens and school students to enjoy year-round,” Watford said in her previous statement to Davidson Local.
The four Republican nominees will advance to the November general election against Democratic candidates Tonya Lanier and Andrea Tate, where voters will ultimately decide who will help shape the county’s future.
