LYNCHBURG, Va. (WDBJ) – Lynchburg voters have made their voices heard, and election results show the city council leaning even further toward a Republican majority.

Republicans appear to have secured their continued control of the Lynchburg City Council, winning three of the four available seats.

In District I, Republican Jacqueline Timmer defeated Democratic candidate Randy Smith and independent Cameron Craddock Howe with 44% of the vote. He will replace independent MaryJane Dolan, who decided not to run again.

“I feel really privileged because this is a great opportunity to serve the people of Lynchburg and really serve the residents of District I and see what we can accomplish together,” Timmer said.

In District 2, Democrat Sterling Wilder, and current incumbent, won another term. Wilder won with 65% of the vote over Republican candidate Rodney Hubbard and independent Tori Howard. Wilder told WDBJ7 he is grateful for the opportunity to continue serving the community.

“For District 2, voters continue to believe in me. District 2 believes in the work I am doing and I want to continue fighting for our parks, our recreation, our schools. “Let’s fight for higher wages for our police, our bus drivers, let’s keep fighting for what’s right in our community,” Wilder said.

In District 3, Republican Curt Diemer will replace Councilman Jeff Helgeson. Diemer won 61% of the vote over Democratic challenger James Coleman. Diemer has not yet responded to our request for comment.

And in District 4, the closest race, Republican Chris Faraldi, current vice mayor, gained a narrow lead with 51% of the vote, 167 votes ahead of his Democratic rival April Watson.

Faraldi issued a statement thanking voters:

“All good things come from the Lord and I am amazed at what Christ has done in this election. I praise His name for the favor with which He has blessed our campaign. I would like to thank my wife Rachel for accompanying me during this long year of campaigning and for never failing to support my work at City Hall. And, of course, I thank the voters of District IV for their approval. Today sends the message that Lynchburg voters want leaders who have one goal in mind…to offer solutions and do the work. They know I am a conservative who delivers results for our city and they can count on that approach for the next four years on City Hall. Thanks again, let’s get to work!”

These four newly elected members will join the existing Republican majority on the council, which includes Mayor Stephanie Reed, Marty Misjuns and Larry Taylor.

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