Mark Jones said it was sort of like David vs. Goliath on the night Dan Barrett was picked to fill the N.C. Senate seat held by Andrew Brock.

The executive committees of the Republican parties in Davie, Rowan and Iredell counties met to select the replacement. Rowan had more delegates than Davie and Iredell combined, but those delegates were split among candidates from that area.

Barrett won on the first ballot, and was sworn into office soon thereafter.

“It was my honor to nominate Sen. Barrett,” said Jones, at the time a fellow Davie County Commissioner. “He will take values of family, of community, all of the great characteristics that Davie County represents to Raleigh.”

“Dan will be missed,” said county commission chair, Terry Renegar. “He’s served the people of Davie County well. We’re confident he will do a great job for the folks in Davie, Rowan and Iredell.”

Barrett called the moment last week, when commissioners honored him at their monthly meeting, bittersweet. While he enjoys serving people of Davie County, he had aspirations for a higher office. He ran for governor, walking the length of the state trying to drum up support.

“I will miss all of the folks I’ve worked with,” Barrett said. “I’m deeply appreciative.”

He said he’ll still be serving Davie residents, just in a different way. “It is an honor to have these opportunities and I couldn’t have done it without the support of the folks in Davie County.”