Henry Randle was elected Aberdeen’s police chief in Tuesday’s runoff election. Randle defeated Quinell Shumpert 1,122 votes to 705.

“First of all, I want to thank God,”said Randle Tuesday night. “I also want to thank my family and supporters and it’s time to get down to business and try and make this city one.” Randle will replace current police chief Walter Sykes when he is sworn into office in May.

Also in Tuesday’s runoff, incumbent Cloyd Garth narrowly defeated former Monroe County Supervisor Wilchie Clay in the Ward 2 alderman’s race. Garth defeated Clay by one vote, 264 to 263.

“I want to thank all of my supporters,” Garth said. “This wasn’t my first close race and I look forward to continuing to serve the people of the city.”

The runoff election stems from the April 1 Democratic primary which brought about change in a number of city races. Incumbent mayor Cecil Belle was defeated by Jim Ballard, who will face Independent candidate Steve Lance in the general election on Tuesday, May 6.

In the Ward 3 alderman race David Ewing defeated Dwight Stevens, Roger Cooperwood and Jarrod Jones. Longtime Ward 3 Alderman Willie Cook failed to qualify for the election. Incumbent Brunson Odom was defeated by Randy Nichols in the Ward 4 alderman race and John Allen defeated Henry Calvert and Antonio Rogers to win the alderman position in Ward 5. Incumbent alderman Jim Buffington withdrew from the election in Ward 5.

Alsonso Sykes was the only incumbent to win his race. Sykes defeated Robert Devaull and Donald Dahlem to retain his position as alderman in Ward 1. All Tuesday vote totals are unofficial until certified by the Democratic Executive Committee.