Walker becomes Gosnell’s first female mayor

The city of Gosnell will have its first female mayor.

Gosnell City Councilwoman Teresa Walker edged Councilman John Pate in the mayoral runoff, 228 (54.29 percent) to 192 (45.71 percent).

“I hope to set a good example for my daughters and my granddaughter and all citizens of Gosnell,” Walker said.

Current Gosnell Mayor Don Marshall did not seek re-election.

“I’m thankful and humbled that the people of Gosnell have put their confidence and faith in me to move our community forward,” Walker said. “I want to thank my family, friends and supporters for their support during this race.”

“I’m super excited and ready to start working for the city and the citizens of Gosnell.”

In the Gosnell Ward 1, Position 1 runoff, James Haynes defeated Steve Ledbetter, 92 (53.8 percent) to 79 (46.2 percent).

In the General Election last month, Pate received 261 votes (38.90 percent), while Walker had 219 (32.64 percent). Darryl Grissom had the other 191 votes (28.46 percent), but did not make the runoff.

In the Gosnell Ward 1, Position 1 race, Ledbetter earned the most votes in the General Election with 84 (40.0 percent) and Haynes was second with 66 (31.43 percent), keeping incumbent councilman Eric Blount from re-election. Blount was just six votes behind Haynes with 60 (31.43).

Meanwhile, in the Luxora Ward 2, Position 1 runoff, Billie Fernandez topped Carl Miner, 101 (64.74 percent) to 55 (35.26 percent).

In the Manila Ward 3, Position 2 runoff, Wendell Poteet defeated Donald Nunnally, 121 (58.45 percent) to 86 (41.55 percent).