Johnny Moss III wins Selma mayor race

Selma’s next mayor is Johnny Moss III.

Moss, marketing director at Wallace Community College Selma, won the job as Selma’s next leader in the Tuesday runoff election by getting 57% of the vote against Aaron Roper, Army veteran and former Selma tax collector, who got 43%.

In an acceptance speech Tuesday night, Moss said he ran for mayor to bring the community together and help tackle issues that have plagued the city. 

“We can’t do this alone,” he said. “We need unity and a unified government. And I will strive for that every single day.”

Selma needs to heal and unify, he said, adding “Selma’s best days are ahead of us.”

“We have so many people that need our help, but we have to do it together,” Moss said. “Our campaign slogan, ‘We will rebuild Selma together,’ won’t end tonight. It will be our slogan as we move forward. As we rebuild our houses. As we rebuild our community. As we rebuild our families. As we rebuild our mindset.”

Roper said in a statement that "it’s time for us to come together."

Ward 1 incumbent Troy Harvill will keep his seat after beating challenger Charles Bennett with 44% or 87 votes. 

Ward 5 winner is Nadine Sanders Sturdivant who got 72% of the vote to beat challenger Timfreit “Drano” Drane.

Selma City Council Ward 6 will have a new council member. Incumbent Atkin Jemison lost to challenger Ashley Ervin by 127 votes. Ervin won with 63%.

The Board of Education District 4 went to newcomer Brittney Houser who unseated incumbent Tonya Miles with 57% of the vote compared to Miles’ 42%.

These positions will start Nov. 3.