As Toby Barker supporters celebrated over the strains of Boston’s “More Than a Feeling” Tuesday night at The Venue in downtown Hattiesburg, the Hub City’s mayor-elect was looking forward to the city’s potential over the next four years.
“It’s an incredibly humbling feeling, for a town like Hattiesburg to put their trust in me to help lead the next four years,” said Barker, who defeated incumbent Mayor Johnny DuPree 6,214 votes to 4,198 in Tuesday’s general election. “We know that we have challenges, and I just know that the talent and goodwill of the people will overcome those.
Ward 1 candidates will see a newcomer (and Theta Alpha brother) to Hattiesburg City Council, with Republican Jeffrey George defeating Democratic challenger Ken Chambers 821 votes to 368.
“Most importantly, I’m extremely excited for the future of our city,” George said. “I’m excited about the opportunity to really deal with people in Ward 1 and to start fighting for what’s best for them.”
Read more at the Hattiesburg American.