South Charleston voters reelected Mayor Frank Mullens and City Clerk Margie Spence on Tuesday, while Democrat Adam Strider defeated Republican Nick Munoz in the race for municipal judge. Three contested City Council races also produced two Democratic victories and one Republican victory.
Republican Laura Marker retained her Ward 4 council seat, while Democrat Karley Walker defeated Republican incumbent Bob Lilly in Ward 6. Democrat Bill Horton won the Ward 8 seat, which Strider had held.
The remaining five council races were uncontested, with four incumbents winning additional terms and one new member elected.
All 183 Kanawha County precincts had reported by 10 p.m., according to the county's election results report. The results remain unofficial pending certification.
Republican Frank Mullens won another term as mayor of South Charleston, receiving 3,384 votes, or 97.27%, in an uncontested race.
Mullens, who faced no major-party challenger, will continue overseeing the city's executive administration, including municipal operations, public services, development and the city budget.
Democrat Adam Strider defeated Republican Nick Munoz in the race for South Charleston municipal judge, winning by 615 votes.
Strider received 2,300 votes, or 57.64%, compared with Munoz's 1,685 votes, or 42.23%.
Strider, who previously represented Ward 8 on City Council, will move into the judicial position, which oversees municipal court proceedings involving alleged violations of city ordinances and other matters within the court's jurisdiction.
Republican Margie Spence won another term as South Charleston city clerk, receiving 2,986 votes, or 97.90%, without a challenger on the ballot.
The clerk's office maintains official municipal records and carries out administrative responsibilities established by the city.
South Charleston voters elected representatives from all eight City Council wards Tuesday, with three contested races determining whether incumbents would retain their seats and who would succeed a departing council member.
In Ward 4, Republican incumbent Laura Marker defeated Democrat JW Jeff Williamson, receiving 258 votes (57.98%) to Williamson's 187 (42.02%). Marker won by 71 votes.
In Ward 6, Democrat Karley Walker defeated Republican incumbent Bob Lilly, receiving 294 votes (58.57%) to Lilly's 207 (41.24%). Walker won by 87 votes, flipping the seat from Republican to Democratic control.
In Ward 8, Democrat Bill Horton defeated Republican John E. Golden, receiving 434 votes (58.33%) to Golden's 307 (41.26%). Horton won by 127 votes and will succeed Adam Strider, who won the municipal judge race.
The remaining five wards had one candidate each on the ballot. Republican Kent Rymer won another term representing Ward 1 with 472 votes (97.52%). Democrats Tommy Spurlock of Ward 2, Kathleen Fox Walker of Ward 3 and David DiFilippo of Ward 5 also won reelection, receiving 266, 334 and 252 votes, respectively.
In Ward 7, Democrat Amanda Franklin won the uncontested race with 418 votes (97.44%), becoming the ward's new council representative.
Council members represent their neighborhoods and help determine city policy, spending priorities and municipal services.
All results are unofficial and reflect the Kanawha County election report issued at 10 p.m. Nov. 3, 2026, with all precincts reporting.
