In a landmark election, Kristi Cox has been voted in as the new mayor of Richmond Hill, Georgia.

Breaking new ground, Cox becomes the first woman to hold the mayoral position since Richmond Hill’s incorporation in 1962.

Her victory was decisive, securing the position with a lead of 1,031 votes over Belgicia Howell-Cowart. Howell-Cowart, although new to the political scene, brought a strong background in community and state-wide volunteer efforts to the race.

With over six years of experience as a council member and mayor pro-tem, Cox has been an active participant in Richmond Hill’s local government. Additionally, she contributes to three advisory boards within the Georgia Municipal Association and serves on the Development Authority of Bryan County.

Both Cox and Howell-Cowart shared their insights on various city issues in interviews with News 3. The full interviews can be watched here.

City Council Post 1 and 2

For City Council Post 1, Cindy Hatala won with 1,416 votes. Vee Singleton received 1,132 votes.

City Council Post 2 will now move to a runoff between Buck Holly and Kevin Bowes.

Bryan County Special Election

There were two special election items on the ballot in Bryan County.

The Floating Local Option Sales Tax (FLOST) was passed by voters in Bryan County. The purpose of this special one percent sales and use tax is to provide property tax relief for the citizens of the county, City of Pembroke, and the City of Richmond Hill.

The Homestead Exemption Referendum (HB 476) was passed by voters in Bryan County.

This act would provide a homestead exemption from the Bryan County School District as valorem taxes for educational purposes in an amount equal to the amount by which the current year assessed value of a homestead exceeds the adjusted base year assessed value.

For a breakdown of each race, click here.