Forrest and Lamar’s municipal election results were mixed, with most incumbents, including Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker, retaining their seats.

Municipal elections were held Tuesday in Hattiesburg, Purvis, Sumrall and Lumberton. The Petal races were decided in the primary elections and the April second round.

Polling stations reported no problems in Tuesday’s election, according to city clerks. Turnout, they said, was low.

“About 10% of registered voters are out,” Purvis Town Clerk Catherine Kemp said on Tuesday.

Hattiesburg City Clerk Kermas Eaton said only about 30% of registered voters in Hattiesburg participated.

Vote totals remain unofficial until certified by the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office.

The officials will take up their duties on July 1.

In numbers :Municipal election results for Hattiesburg, Purvis, Lumberton, Sumrall

Barker returns as mayor of Hattiesburg, Dryden defeated in Ward 4

Independent candidate Mayor Toby Barker won a second term on the Hattiesburg executive office, handily beating opponent Lakeylah White, a Democrat.

Barker’s 7,087 votes to White’s 1,275 made up 85 percent of the vote, according to unofficial results Tuesday night. As of Wednesday, 125 affidavits were still counted.

Barker began a speech Tuesday night after his victory by congratulating White on a well-run race.

“The past four years have been filled with incredible accomplishments,” said Barker. “But the most rewarding thing is seeing all of you from all walks of life and from all parts of Hattiesburg falling in love with your city again, believing in the future and finding your place in that future and shaping that future.”

Hattiesburg’s Rita Nassuna said Barker knocked on her door during his campaign and introduced himself.

“He went the extra mile on this one,” Nassuna said. “He did it the old fashioned way which is the most efficient and I was extremely impressed with the way he personalized it.”

Nassuna said this convinced her to come out and vote.

In Ward 4, former City Councilor Dave Ware defeated incumbent Mary Dryden.

“Thank you Hattiesburg. I look forward to serving you for the next four years,” Ware said in a social media post Tuesday night.

Ward 1 and Ward 3 councilors Jeffrey George and Carter Carroll retained their seats, defeating opponents Ken Chambers and Picasso Nelson Sr. respectively.

Ward 2 and Ward 5 council members Deborah Delgado and Nicholas Brown had no opposition to the general election.

Previously: Democratic candidate challenges Hattiesburg mayor’s run-off results

Roger Herrin, longtime mayor of Purvis, survives challenge

Longtime mayor Roger Herrin will return to serve his city for another term, beating opponent Jeremy Reid 172 to 73.

No council member opposed the municipal election. Ward 1 Councilor Donna Bielstein, Ward 2 Councilor Vernon Hartfield, Ward 3 Councilor Jerry Smith, Ward 4 Councilor Deborah Smith and General Councilor Wendell Hudson.

Lofton defeats incumbent president to become new mayor of Sumrall

William Joel Lofton defeated incumbent Heath Sumrall in the mayoral race. The unofficial results, with five affidavits still to be counted on Wednesday, showed Lofton with 220 votes to 209 for Sumrall.

In Ward 1, Lamar Reed won Cornelius Peterson. Incumbent Shirley Barnard did not seek re-election.

In Ward 3, Pam Birdsong Graves defeated William Darrell Bullock. Incumbent Jim Ford did not seek re-election.

In Ward 4, Darrell Hall defeats incumbent Larene “Trina” McLendon.

Ward 2 Alderman Lee Granberry and Alderman General Brittany Fortenberry ran unopposed.

Petal races decided before the general elections

The races in the friendly city were decided in the primary and second round elections because all of the candidates ran as Republicans. The city did not hold a general election.

Ward 5 City Councilor Tony Ducker will be sworn in on July 1 as the city’s new mayor, winning the necessary 50% plus one vote in a four-man race.

Newcomers Gerald Steele in Ward 1, Blake Nobles in Ward 3, Craig Strickland in Ward 4 and Drew Brickson in Ward 5 will join Ducker in leading Petal for the next four years.

Returning aldermen include Steve Stringer in Ward 2, Craig Bullock in Ward 6 and Alderman in general Mike Lott.

Affidavits in Lumberton key to Ward 3

Outgoing Mayor Quincy Rogers retained his seat, defeating former Mayor Ben Winston and Alderman in General Tina Speights.

In Ward 1, former mayor and alderman Kent Crider returned to local politics, defeating opponents Elaine Clark and Annette Sandifer. Incumbent Johnny Buckley did not seek re-election.

Kyle Crider ran unopposed in Ward 2. The seat is held by Susan Crittenden, who did not seek re-election.

The Ward 3 results were too close to be announced early Wednesday afternoon with the outgoing Ward 3 alderman Jonathan Griffith and Kenyatta Henry each with 25 votes and Myrtis Holder with 16 votes.

The city clerk said 12 affidavits have yet to be counted.

Bobby Smith beat Quarter 4 incumbent Audrey Davis.

Sandra Kee beat her opponents, former alderman Cora Rogers and Bobby Gibson for the general seat.

This story will be updated.

Contact reporter Laurel Thrailkill at [email protected] or at Twitter. Contact Lici Beveridge at [email protected]