Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Nov. 5, 2024 – Cheers erupted from L.J. Bryant supporters when he took the stage at his watch party Tuesday night at the Huntington Lounge as unofficial election results were announced.
Bryant received 34% of the votes to Jonesboro Mayor Harold Copenhaver’s 44%, meaning there will be a runoff election Dec. 3. Candidate Jeremy Terrell came in at 15% and candidate Thomas Elwood received 3.7% of the overall votes.
According to Arkansas law, there are two situations in which a runoff will not occur. The first is if any candidate receives 50% plus one vote. The other is if a candidate receives 40% of the vote and 20% more than the next candidate. Since no candidate met either condition, there will be a runoff.
“From early voting results, it looks like we’re headed to a December runoff,” Bryant said. “So, we’re really excited. I mean, a majority of Jonesboro chose to go a different direction tonight, and I congratulate, presumably my other two opponents on a great campaign and look forward to reaching out to their supporters. They did a great job with their message and so try to try to get their supporters in the runoff and get our folks back out and win this thing in December.”
If he wins, Bryant said there will be a lot to do.
“So, if we were to win in December, obviously it’d be a very brief period of time between the election and Jan. 1, so there’ll be a lot to do and particularly the budget. You know, the budget will be an important piece that has to be done quickly. But for now, 28 days of campaign, and I’ll continue to talk about my 10-point plan to improve Jonesboro, and that’s what these 28 days will be about. And then, if we win, then trying to implement our 10-point plan and work with the 600 folks that are at the city and provide my direction and try to execute our plan.”
He also noted that in his plan, he would prioritize public safety, improving quality of life and making Jonesboro a “place that people want to live.”
Campaign volunteer Angie Dickson said the election had been so hard, but it felt extremely positive.
“There is an energy that we’ve not seen before,” Dickerson said. “This is something that’s really kind of new. I’m a native of Jonesboro, and I would say that in the time that I’ve grown up and lived in Jonesboro, I’ve never seen a campaign like L.J. has run. It really got a lot of momentum and I’m really proud of the position that he has taken. He speaks in facts, and I love that about him. That’s what we need right now, somebody that can tell us the truth.”
Bryant supporter and family member Rachel Tarkington said she also felt the campaign had gone well.
“I think LJ was very successful in communicating his vision for Jonesboro and getting a voice out on different needs that Jonesboro has,” Tarkington said. “I think we’re all excited for him. We’re hopeful for Jonesboro. I think there’s a lot of need for the city, for growth, for expansion, for Safety. I mean, as a mom with kids, I don’t feel safe in Jonesboro personally, so I’d like to see LJ be able to come in now.”