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Only one district in Wetumpka will require a runoff election due to no candidate receiving a majority in the River Region’s recent municipal elections that wrapped up last week, determining the leadership and direction of several fast-growing communities.
Despite their importance, local elections typically see low voter turnout. According to the National Civic League, turnout in local elections often averages just 20% to 30% of eligible voters, compared with around 60% in presidential elections. The WAKA elections results tracker stated that most incumbents held onto their seats, though a few notable shifts occurred, including two new council members in Prattville, and a very close Mayoral election in Pike Road.
Prattville Results
Prattville’s new District 7 councilwoman Thea Langley stated she to bring more transparency to the city. Allowing city council meetings to be live streamed and to communicate more effectively with citizens. In Prattville, voters re-elected Mayor Bill Gillespie Jr., who secured 61% of the vote against Dennis Mullins (33%), Reuben Gardner (4%), Devin Moore (1%), and David Melling (1%). Other election results in the River region include: District 1 Wade Newman won with 63% of the votes, defeating incumbent Russ Sanders (23%) and Mellissa Strickland (13%); District 2 Incumbent Marcus Jackson retained his seat with 76% over Cornelius Smith; District 3 Incumbent John Chambers was re-elected with 74% of the votes; District 4 Incumbent Tommy Merrick held off Antonio Richards 59% to 41%; District 5 Michael Whaley was re-elected his seat by running unopposed; District 6 Incumbent Robert Strichik won re-election with 64% over Jackie Nix; District 7 Thea Langley unseated incumbent Lora Lee Boone with 59% of the vote.
Millbrook Results
In Millbrook, incumbents Jacquelyn Thomas, Michael Gay, Jimmy Harris, Justin Jones and Chris Bath were re-elected with almost no opposition. The current Mayor Al Kelly, was also re-elected with no opposition to his campaign. The results in this area was: Ward 1 Jacquelyn Thomas retained her seat with a commanding 78% over Jade Loyd.
Wetumpka Results
Wetumpka’s elections were competitive in several districts. Mayor Jerry Willis won a second term with 63% of the vote against challenger David M. Fletcher (37%) Wetumpka’s election district results were: District 1 No candidate received a majority. Incumbent Kevin Robbins received 47%, while Hunter Mills and Christopher Black earned 27% and 26%, respectively. Since no candidate crossed the 50% threshold, a runoff election will be held between the top two vote-getters, Robbins and Mills; District 2 Incumbent Cheryl Tucker won 58% of the votes; District 3 Lynnes S. Justiss retained her seat while running unopposed; District 4 Incumbent Steve Gantt narrowly defeated Frank F. Bertarelli, 53% to 47%; District 5 Joe Brown ran unopposed and was able to retain his seat.
From this River Region only District 1 in Wetumpka will require a runoff election.
Pike Road Results
In Pike Road, the mayoral race was the closest among the four cities. Incumbent Gordon Stone narrowly edged challenger Mark Spurlin, winning 51% to 49%. The results from the elections were: Place 1 Mim Whatley defeated incumbent Chris Dunn with 55% of the vote; Place 2 Rob Steindorff retained his seat by running unopposed; Place 3 Marcus Robinson secured 55%, ahead of William Cornwell (39%) and Jeffery Lewis (6%); Place 4 Angie Bradsher ran unopposed and was re-elected in her town place; Place 5 Incumbent Doug Fuhrman retained his seat with 71%, defeating Blake Ioimo.
With no races requiring a runoff, Pike Road’s election cycle is complete.
Of the dozens of races across these four municipalities, only Wetumpka’s District 1 will proceed to a runoff election due to no candidate securing a majority. All other seats have been filled either by majority vote or through unopposed elections.
Voters in these communities have largely chosen continuity, with many incumbents returning to office. Still, some districts, including Prattville’s Districts 1 and 7 and Pike Road’s Town Council Place 1, saw significant shifts, reflecting changing priorities among constituents.
While national elections often get the most attention, local elections have a more direct impact on Americans’ daily lives. Local officials make decisions that affect public safety, education, transportation and housing.
