Cochran Council election results determine Lester victory, District 1 runoff

Tuesday’s election for two city council posts in Cochran brought in 243 ballots, with one post requiring a runoff due to a tie. 

Candidates and community members gathered at the election’s polling place, the Community House, after polls closed at 7 p.m. to witness the ballot count. Counting was complete within 45 minutes.

Dianne Lester was elected to represent District 3 on the council with 87 out of 155 total votes, a 56% majority. Her opponent, Tyler Sapp, received 68 votes. 

“Words cannot begin to express how happy and honored I feel to be elected as the additional representative in District 3,” Lester wrote on a Facebook post Tuesday night. “I am committed to doing the best job that I can for the citizens in our community.”

Sapp, a local teacher, posted on Facebook after the election as well. He congratulated Lester on her victory and said he plans to “be back on the ballot later this year.”

“While this wasn’t the outcome I had hoped for, I am truly grateful for this journey,” the post says. “Cochran is fortunate to have someone so dedicated and passionate about our community. I know she will serve us well, and I look forward to seeing her leadership in action.”

For District 1, Trecia Gardner and Teresa Mack brought in 44 votes each, paving the way for a runoff to be held April 15 at Cochran City Hall.

Both candidates reposted the election results on their respective Facebook pages without any additional remarks. 

Lester is replacing former councilperson Andrew Lemmon, who vacated the seat Nov. 11. The District 1 post was previously held by Keith Anderson until he retired effective Oct. 31. Both resignations were announced in November, and the city charter required a special election to fill the posts because each still had over a year left in their terms.