Donald Gray has won the runoff in the special election for mayor in Water Valley, defeating Terry Rockette, 550 to 306 votes, according to the North Mississippi Herald.

Polls closed at 7 p.m.

Gray is a manager at Yalobusha County Farm Bureau.

“As a strong Christian person, I want to thank the Good Lord and thank the people of Water Valley for their prayers and continued support. I also want to thank the other candidates for running a clean campaign,” Gray said. “Moving forward, I’ve got some big shoes to fill because we had such a strong leader in Mayor Hart. My goal is to clean up the town and make Water Valley a great place for those who live here.”

The mayor seat opened in November after then-Mayor Larry Hart announced his resignation that became effective Nov. 3.

The vote tally from each of the four precincts is:
Gray – Ward 1 – 172, Ward 2 – 72, Ward 3 – 130, Ward 4 – 176
Rockette – Ward 1 – 84, Ward 2 – 87, Ward 3 – 60, Ward 4 – 75