After 6 weeks of discussion, banter and campaigning, City of Lake Wales Mayor, Jack Hilligoss wins tonight’s election for Lake Wales Mayor Seat 1, defeating his opponent, Curtis Gibson with a 22% lead.
The results became available tonight on the Polk County Supervisor of Elections website with a breakdown by precinct. Voters in two precincts casted their votes as follows:
In Precinct 526, which encompasses the northern part of the City, including Lake Ashton, a total of 1,095 votes were cast. 810 votes went to Hilligoss, who won the precinct with 73.97% of the vote. 285 voted in favor of Gibson, who took 26.03% of the vote.
In Precinct 527, which covers the downtown area of the City, the race was much closer. Out of the 1,185 votes cast in the precinct, Gibson held 605 votes, representing 51.05%. Hilligoss earned only 49.95% of the precinct with 580 votes.
Overall, Hilligoss’s victory came from 1,390 votes, representing 61% of the voters, against Gibson’s 890 votes, representing the remaining 39%.
Lake Wales Daily has reached out to both candidates for a statement regarding the results of the election.
Hilligoss says, “It was a big night for us. We won by a pretty big margin.
”I’m very grateful for all the Lake Wales folks that supported me, and everyone that gave me a hand. I am absolutely ecstatic and privileged to serve as mayor for another term.”
Gibson declined to comment to Lake Wales Daily for this article, other than to advise that his office would put out a formal statement in their own time. A post on Gibson’s personal Facebook page a few moments ago offers the following:
“My official statement is as follows:
“We waged a diligent campaign, maintaining a clean and issue-focused approach. We refrained from disparaging our opponent and did not benefit from PAC money. Had such a situation arisen, I would have taken immediate action to rectify it. As a devoted father, husband, son, and friend, I remain committed to my role as mall manager at Eagle Ridge Mall, where I am pleased with the progress achieved. I extend my sincerest gratitude to my team, sponsors, endorsers, my supporters, and most importantly, my family. We remain steadfast and committed to our cause. I urge everyone to pray for our city and its elected officials. Let us put aside animosity and work collaboratively towards a common goal. To those considering a future in public office, I encourage you to persevere despite the acrimony that characterized this election season. You have the right to run, and regardless of the outcome, hold your head high. May you be blessed, and I wish you a pleasant evening. Congratulations, Jack Hilligoss.”
