Incumbents swept Greenville’s Municipal Elections on Tuesday night, as Dexter McLendon fought off the challenge of local businessman Gerald Johnson to claim his third consecutive term as Mayor of the Camellia City.

McLendon won 1,015 votes to Johnson’s 664. Seated council members Tommy Ryan, Jean Thompson and Ed Sims were also successful in their bid for re-election. Thompson downed Jerry Myers in District 1; Sims won by 51 votes over Nancy Idland in District 2; and Ryan edged Randy Beeson 175-138 in race for District 3.

“I am so honored to be able to serve this city four more years,” said McLendon. “It truly is a humbling experience. We are going to continue what we started: And that is working on the continued growth of the City of Greenville. We are going to take Greenville to the next level.”

Johnson, contacted by The Advocate shortly after election totals were posted by the Greenville City Clerk’s office, said he was not prepared to make a statement concerning the election at this time.

“Right now we believe we have some discrepancies that need to be explained,” said Johnson. “I don’t know the answers to some of these questions we have and we’re going to be in contact with the clerk’s office about them.”

Vote totals are unofficial until certified by the Board of Registrars office.

In Georgiana, Mike Middleton will take over for Lynn Harold Watson as Mayor. Watson stepped down and is the Democratic nominee for Butler County Commission, District 5. He faces incumbent Republican Glenn King in November.

Middleton beat opponent Larry Creech 340-115.

Melvin “Blue” Shufford beat Bill Henry 100-78 and will succeed Betty Stinson as Mayor of McKenzie.

More election coverage in Saturday’s edition of The Advocate.