George Evans is making a victory speech at The St. James now after taking 56 percent of the vote or 4,303 votes Tuesday to win his first term as mayor, defeating two-term incumbent James Perkins Jr.

In the council president’s race, Gene Hisel and Geraldine Allen will face each other in a run-off.

Three incumbent council members returned to office: Cecil Williamson in Ward 1, Sam Randolph in Ward 5 and Bennie Ruth Crenshaw in Ward 7.

Three seats were made vacant by incumbents, who sought other offices or chose not to run and were filled by Susan Keith in Ward 2, Dr. Monica Newton in Ward 3 and a runoff between Angela Benjamin and Kelvin Williams in Ward 4.

At least two upsets were recorded on the council. Corey Bowie defeated incumbent Jannie Venter. Benny Tucker, a former councilman, defeated incumbent Johnnie Leashore by eight votes.

More in Wednesday’s Selma Times-Journal.