Cynthia Chestnut on Tuesday won Gainesville’s special runoff election for City Commission At-Large Seat B with 244 more votes than her competitor Matt Howland.
In total, Chestnut received 6,256 (51%) votes, while Howland received 6,012 (49%), according to unofficial results from the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections.
Out of 89,785 voters registered in the city, 13.61% of people voted, which is slightly less than November’s election with 13.67% turnout.
Chestnut was ecstatic once results were announced and said that she could feel the support of the community at her watch party.
“I’m very excited and grateful for the people of Gainesville. I look forward to serving them and addressing the issues we have,” Chestnut said. “I think the community has spoken. They want us to address lower utility rates, lower light bills, neighborhood preservation and crime.”
The seat has been open since September, when Gail Johnson's resignation took effect.