BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – Did the recent change regarding Beckley’s City Government cause incumbents to fail and new members to be elected? One could make that argument.
Beckley residents went to the polls on Tuesday to decide who they wanted to represent them and the city. The newly elected mayor will be Ryan Neal. Former mayor Rob Rappold chose not to run for reflection. Neal faced off against four other candidates, including Councilman Robert Dunlap, Marvin Robinson, Michael Smith, and Matt Lahan.
For City Council at large, incumbents Sherrie Hunt and Cody Reedy won their seats again.
In City Council Ward 1, incumbent Tom Sopher was defeated by Natalie Coots. Surprisingly, Sopher came in last in the vote totals.
In City Council Ward 2, incumbent Robert Canter was defeated by Nancy Shoemaker-Dingess. Surprisingly, Canter came in last in the voter totals.
In City Council Ward 3, Frank Williams won the most votes, edging out Tom Moseley, who was a close second-place finish. Currently, Robert Dunlap represents Ward 3; he chose to run for mayor.
In City Council Ward 4, Kip Buchanan won against Keri Berry and Danielle Stewart.
In City Council Ward 5, incumbent Jaine Bullock will keep her seat. Bullock edged out a win against four other candidates.
For more Raleigh County race results, click here.