Gautier chooses Phil Torjusen as mayor over incumbent Gordon Gollott

Real estate professional Phil Torjusen was elected mayor of Gautier on Tuesday.

The final count was 997 for Torjusen and 468 for incumbent Gordon Gollott. The Republican candidates did not have a Democrat or independent opponent.

"This was not my election," Torjusen said. "This was the election of the city of Gautier, and the city of Gautier made a choice.

"I would like to thank my opponent for running a gentleman's campaign. That's what the citizens deserved."

"I have had a fantastic four years serving the city of Gautier," Gollott said.

He plans to "just enjoy the rest of my life.

"This is my last hurrah with politics," Gollott said. "I'm 75. I feel like I'm just retiring a little early."

Incumbent Councilwoman-at-large Mary F. Martin defeated Pat Walters, 737 to 704, and will face independent Eloise A. Fairley in the June 6 general election.

In Ward 1, Republican Cameron B. George defeated Johnny F. Jones, 253 to 107. There was no Democratic challenger.

In Ward 2, Richard “D.J.” Jackson and Tobey L. Bartee will meet in a run-off.

Ward 3 Councilman Casey Vaughan was unopposed.

Ward 4 Republican Charles “Rusty” Anderson will face Democrat Billy Raysell Booth in the general.

Ward 5 Republican Adam Colledge was unopposed.

This story was originally published May 2, 2017 at 9:26 PM with the headline "Gautier chooses Phil Torjusen as mayor over incumbent Gordon Gollott."