UPDATE: Centerville residents vote in new Mayor

UPDATE (11:30 p.m.):

After final election results in the race for Centerville Mayor, J. Michael Evans defeated Justin Wright with 565 votes to 414 votes.

For full election results including the race for new Council Chairman in Washington County, and the race for Wheeler County Tax Commission,

click here

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CENTERVILLE, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Today, voters are heading to the ballot box in Centerville, as the city is set to choose its next mayor. The contest is a square off between former city council members Justin Wright and J. Michael Evans.

In December, former mayor John Harley announced he would not be seeking reelection in 2025. He then resigned just a few days later. The sudden resignation meant that the race to replace Harley would be sprint, as the election was originally scheduled for November.

“I think I’ve made about 8 or 900 phone calls personally, just trying to get in touch with everybody,” Wright said. “And it’s been really exciting to see folks be excited that the city’s moving forward.”

Wright had served as the Post Two City Councilman since 2016 and is the lead pastor at Centerville Community Church. At his

campaign launch

in January, he said fiscal responsibility and city development around the Center Park area would be major pillars of his tenure as mayor. He says residents can count on fiscal transparency as well.

“Making sure that when we collect tax money, it’s used on what we said we would use it for,” Wright said.  “And that we pass a budget that is appropriate and that’s necessary.”

His opponent, J. Michael Evans, became the first African American to hold a council seat in Centerville in 2015. His nearly three-decade career in the U.S. Air Force brought him to Houston County.

“My heart is here in Centerville,” Evans said. “I’ve lived here 17 years, and I’m really invested into the community.”

When Evans launched his campaign in February, he said his focus would be on strengthening the city’s relationship with the Robins Air Force Base, expanding recreation spaces and enhancing public safety. Evans says this will include improving infrastructure to protect pedestrians.

“They’re walking in the streets because there aren’t any sidewalks,” Evans said. “And that’s one of the main things that I want to start working on.”

Both say early voting numbers and election day turnout appeared promising and made a final pitch to last-minute voters. Evans says his office will always be open on an appointment basis to residents who have any comments, questions or concerns.

“I just want them to know that I will be their mayor, whether they vote for me or not. They will have access to me as their mayor,” Evans said.

Since he moved back to Centerville in 2013, Wright says his mission has been to serve the city. He says serving as mayor would be a continuation of that goal.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to make this the best place for you to live, work and raise a family,” Wright said.

The winner of the contest will be sworn in on June 24.