IMAGES: Cabell County Election Night

Friday, November 9, 2012 - 05:43 Photos by Jeff Hedgecock

Visit the Cabell County Courthouse as candidates, supporters and interested parties gathered Tuesday, Nov. 6 for the returns to come in. Applause reigned when Mayor Elect Steve Williams and new First Lady Mary Williams entered the clerks office to meet supporters and the media. In addition, Council woman Rebecca Thacker surged to the #1 vote getter in her at large council race, Ms. Thacker picked up 6,767 votes with David Ball, a fellow Democrat, caterer and retired firefighter, achieving 6,584 votes.

The council district winners were Pete Gillespie II (D) , a first timer running for political office, bested long time City Charter champion, Tom McCallister. He received 762 votes to McCallister's 471. Frances Jackson beat independent Pete Gillespie Sr. 432-169 in District 3. Republican Gary Bunn will replace Nate Randolph in District 4. Randolph did not seek re-election. Bunn had 1,139 votes to Steve Phipps 934. Scott Caserta won re-election 868 to 443 against B.J. Ellis in District 7. Tom McGuffin, who ousted Kirt Gillenwater in the primary, toppled Richard “Dick” Strode 566-333 who ran as an independent in District 8. Rick Simmons, a long time Guyandotte promoter who has been hindered by illness, received 773 votes to Sherry Lynn McClanahan’s 643.

Mark Bates (District 5), Sandra Clements (District 6) and Joyce Clark (District 1) did not face any opposition.