Kemp wins Fort Smith Board Ward 3 runoff election

Lee Kemp will be the new director for Ward 3 on the City of Fort Smith’s Board of Directors. He received 66.5% of the votes in Tuesday’s (Dec. 3) runoff election, defeating Russell Bragg, who received 33.5%.

There were 1,045 votes cast in the election, according to the unofficial results listed on the Sebastian County Clerk’s website.

“I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone for supporting me in my campaign for city director. Your trust and confidence in me mean the world, and I am truly honored to serve our community. Together, we can make a positive difference and work towards a strong future for our city,” Kemp said.

Three candidates ran for election for the Ward 3 position on the Fort Smith Board of Directors in the Nov. 5 general election but none of the candidates received a majority of the votes, the top two contenders – Kemp and Bragg – moved on to a runoff election.

“First, congratulations to Lee and his team for making this a very competitive race. I am very disappointed that I will not be representing the city as we push forward with our bright future. It has been an enlightening experience to run. I have met many wonderful people, and saw some old friends on the campaign trail,” Bragg said. “I certainly feel that I could have contributed a lot to the City’s future in the board role, but it is not to be. I do want to thank all those that helped me get to here. I learned you do not get this done without a lot of friends giving up their time to make calls, send texts and emails, and go door to door to send out the message we used. They were awesome. I wish the best for the City moving forward.”

Ward 3 Director Lavon Morton chose to not run for reelection. The Ward 3 position was the only contested race among the city’s four wards.

In the general election, Bragg, 65, who retired as senior vice president of supply chain for OK Foods Inc. after 36 years, received 31.73% of the votes, or 2,400 votes. Kemp, 40, lead pastor at Forefront Church in Fort Smith, received 47.997% of the votes or 3,630 votes. Carl Nevin, 69, a factory worker and small business owner, received 20.27% of the votes or 1,533 votes. Nevin would endorse Bragg prior to the runoff election.