Chesapeake voters elected Jerry "Ernie" King as their new mayor Tuesday, delivering a decisive defeat to incumbent Melissa J. Hill while selecting six Town Council representatives from three contested ward races.
King received more than 82% of the vote in the mayoral contest, while the council elections saw voters choose two representatives from each of the town's three wards. The races for council at large, recorder and municipal judge were uncontested.
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.
Jerry "Ernie" King defeated incumbent Mayor Melissa J. Hill, receiving 391 votes, or 82.32%, compared with Hill's 84 votes, or 17.68%.
King won by 307 votes, securing more than four times as many votes as the incumbent.
As mayor, King will lead Chesapeake's executive administration and work with Town Council on municipal services, finances and community priorities.
Ralph Holbrook won Chesapeake's at-large Town Council seat without opposition on the ballot, receiving 359 votes, or 99.17%.
Unlike ward representatives, at-large council members represent the entire town and participate in decisions about municipal services, spending and local policy.
Chesapeake voters elected six Town Council members Tuesday, choosing two representatives from each of the town's three wards. All three races were contested, with Ward 2 drawing the largest field of candidates.
In Ward 1, Dona Lacy and Van Williams won the two available seats. Lacy led the field with 159 votes (50.32%), followed by Williams with 96 (30.38%). Ronald Petty finished third with 59 votes (18.67%).
In Ward 2, Paul Liptok and Regina Bell won the two council seats in a five-candidate contest. Liptok received 84 votes (39.07%), while Bell received 56 (26.05%). Steven Fields finished third with 38 votes (17.67%), followed by Nathan King with 32 (14.88%) and Wesley G. Dillard with five (2.33%).
In Ward 3, Mary Ann Saunders and Jolinda L. Perdue secured the two available seats. Saunders received 72 votes (46.75%), followed by Perdue with 44 (28.57%). Yancy Ney finished third with 35 votes (22.73%).
The six elected ward representatives will serve on Town Council, helping determine municipal policies, spending priorities and services affecting their neighborhoods.
Teri Kincaid won the Chesapeake town recorder race without opposition on the ballot, receiving 392 votes, or 98.49%.
The recorder is responsible for municipal recordkeeping and other administrative duties established under the town's governing rules.
Brian Bowen won the race for Chesapeake municipal judge without opposition on the ballot, receiving 348 votes, or 99.15%.
The municipal judge presides over cases involving alleged violations of town ordinances and other matters within the municipal court's jurisdiction.
All results are unofficial and reflect the Kanawha County election report issued at 10 p.m. Nov. 3, 2026, with all precincts reporting.
