WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) -- After all the votes were counted Tuesday night two new faces came out as winners for Wilmington City Council. Businessman Neil Anderson and retiree Margaret Haynes are the two non-incumbent candidates that will fill two of three open seats; incumbent Laura Padgett was re-elected.
Incumbent Ronald Sparks had a tight race with Anderson. Sparks says the voters made their decision Tuesday night but is grateful for the opportunity to serve the community.
"It has been an interesting four years. I have worked hard, and I will proceed on," Sparks said.
The newly elected council members showed a sigh of relief once the final numbers came in. Haynes, who served on council before, said she enjoys serving the community. The councilwoman-elect said she could not have made it if it were not for her supporters.
"We just had a swell of support from a lot of friends and people we didn't know. It is very rewarding," Haynes said.
Anderson, said it was a nail-biter all night, but is glad that the final results had him over incumbent Ronald Sparks.
"It took a long time tonight, but the results were what we wanted," Anderson said.