Smith, Gautier win re-election in Ridgeland

Smith, Gautier win re-election in Ridgeland

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RIDGELAND — Two incumbents Ridgeland aldermen will keep their seats, according to unofficial returns from the June 8 municipal election in Ridgeland.

Republican Incumbent Alderman-at-large D.I. Smith took the race with 1,676 votes to Democratic Challenger Poteat Medley’s 820 total votes.

“I am very pleased and excited for the turnout today, particularly in Wards one and two,” Smith said.

In Ward 2, the only other challenged race, Republican Incumbent Alderman Chuck Gautier beat Democratic Challenger Walter Young Jr. Gautier received 506 votes and young came away with 236 votes in the race. 

Republican Ridgeland Mayor Gene F. McGee had no opponent and will serve his ninth term as mayor.

All other incumbent aldermen in Ridgeland ran unopposed as Republicans.

This will be Smith's third full term as Alderman-at-large for the city of Ridgeland. In 2012, he won the seat in a special election with a year and a half left in the term to serve.

“I am very impressed by the professionalism of our poll workers which allows us to have free, open and honest elections,” Smith said. “I certainly appreciate all the support today.”

Ward 4 was the last ward to be counted. It was the only ward Medley won with 71 votes to 56 for Smith.

The largest margin was in Ward 1, where Smith lives. Smith took 652 votes to medley’s 216.

A total of 175 absentee ballots and seven affidavit votes were cast.

Smith went on to describe voting as a “critical civic duty.” Smith was at city hall Tuesday evening until well after 10:45 while poll workers were checking and double-checking numbers and packing up equipment.

Smith said that he attributed the win to the satisfaction of the voters in the government of the city. He specifically mentioned the upkeep of infrastructure, excellent police and fire departments and a tax millage rate that is “at the lowest in the state” compared to other municipalities.

A resolution passed by the Ridgeland Mayor and Board of Aldermen in April temporarily allowed the 345 residents eligible to vote in a newly annexed area along W. County Line Road to vote in Ward 1 and for alderman-at-large. The voting lines will be redrawn by the board of alderman in the future.

Ward 1 Alderman Ken Heard ran unopposed but new residents were able to vote in the contested alderman-at-large race.

Precinct-by-Precinct

At-Large Smith Medley
Ward 1 000 000
Ward 2 000 000
Ward 3 000 000
Ward 4 000 000
Ward 5 000 000
Ward 6 000 000
Total 0000 0000

The story will be updated.






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