Killen, who ran unopposed when first elected in 2007, defeated local businessman Jun Lee despite Lee garnering two times as much financial support.

Lee raised $23,000 to Killen's $13,000, according to campaign finance reports.

But it wasn't enough to unseat the incumbent Raleigh lawyer who won with 55 percent of the vote to Lee's 44 percent.

Killen was brief in his post-election remarks, saying merely, "I'm just glad it's over."

Lee did not return calls seeking comment.

Meanwhile, incumbent James Roberson, a 49-year-old academic dean at Wake Technical Community College, retained his seat on Knightdale Town Council. He'll be joined by political newcomer Dustin Tripp, who works in the engineering department for the City of Raleigh.

"I'm honored for the opportunity to serve the citizens of Knightdale. That's truly all I can say right now," Tripp said. Roberson received 34 percent of the vote. Tripp received 19 percent.

They beat out Charles Bullock, Reba Pendleton, Steve Sommerville, and Doug Taylor.

Pendleton, a 56-year-old, retired paralegal who also previously served on town council, received 15 percent of the vote.

Bullock, 65, who owns a local towing company and previously served on town council, received 11 percent of the vote.

Taylor, 49, an engineer with the N.C. Department of Transportation, got 10 percent.

Sommerville, 32, is an insurance agent running for public office for the first time, garnered 6 percent.