Every vote counts: Georgia mayor loses reelection bid by one vote

People often say "every vote counts" during an election, and in a small South Georgia town, that saying was quite true on Nov. 7.

Thomasville mayor Jay Flowers lost reelection to the city council by one vote, according to the Georgia Secretary of State's election results. Political newcomer Royal Baker received 824 votes to Flowers' 823, earning Baker the victory for the Thomasville City Council District 2, Post 1 seat.

Flowers, who has served on the council for more than a decade, was named mayor in 2022. The next mayor of the town will be appointed by the five-member council.

Thomasville is located in the southwest part of Georgia and has a population of approximately 18,500, according to the U.S. Census.

This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Thomasville, Ga. election results: Royal Baker defeats Mayor Jay Flowers