JOHNSTON – After 16 years of service on the Edgefield County School Board and with his hometown in financial turmoil, Andy Livingston wanted the opportunity to do something about it as the town’s next mayor.

And in overwhelming fashion, Johnston gave him just that.

Livingston defeated incumbent Mayor Willie Campbell by a count of 423-180, a total most thought would be closer – including Livingston himself.

“I wouldn’t have imagined that things would have been this way, but I’m very happy,” he said moments after the unofficial results (the election will not be certified until Thursday at Noon) were written on a chalk board in council chambers. “Things really went smoothly and I’m just very happy to have this opportunity.”

Livingston said that once the election was certified on Thursday that he would immediately post his resignation from school board via letter as he will be sworn in at the next town council meeting, which will be held on this Monday.

“After 16 years on the school board I was just ready to move on and this is my hometown and I wanted the opportunity to lead my hometown,” he added. “The people here have shown faith in me and I’m grateful for that and appreciate that.”

Once the results were posted, Mayor Campbell rose from his seat and offered Mr. Livingston a congratulatory handshake.

Other winners on Tuesday included Ward Four councilman Tommy Burton, who held off challenger Robert Oliphant 85-53, and Tommy Stone in Ward Two with a 154-24 victory over Bryan Murray to replace councilman Morris Holmes.

In Edgefield, three of four municipal races were uncontested with mayor Ken Durham, Ward One councilman John Ellis and Ward Five councilman Robert Rodgers all without challengers. In the election’s lone contested race, incumbent councilman Bill Jackson held onto his seat by defeating challenger Mary Hardy 34-16.

Tuesday Election Results
Johnston Mayor

Willie Campbell - 180
Andy Livingston - 423

Ward Four

Tommy Burton - 85
Robert Oliphant - 53

Ward Two

Bryan Murray - 24
Tommy Stone - 154

Edgefield Ward Three

Mary Hardy - 16
Bill Jackson - 34