Democratic challenger Nicole Folson defeated Independent incumbent Larry Bell for the Ward 4 alderman seat in Water Valley. It was the only contested race in the town’s municipal election.

Folson, a political newcomer, edged Bell by eight votes, 120 to 112, according to the North Mississippi Herald.

Folson led Bell by five votes Tuesday night with five affidavit ballots remaining to be counted on Wednesday. Three of the five affidavits were determined to be registered voters in Ward 4 and all three ballots went in Folson’s favor.

During last month’s Democratic Primary Runoff, two-term incumbent Mayor Larry Hart defeated challenger Terry Rockette to win re-election.

All the other races for alderman in Water Valley were decided during the primary election.