WARREN (WWJ) - It took well past midnight, but the results have finally been counted in the race for mayor in the city of Warren.
Incumbent Jim Fouts has won a fourth term in office, defeating challenger Kelly Colegio.
Fouts, with a strong showing among absentee voters, received 57% of the vote overall. He says he is "honored and humbled" to remain mayor.
"I think we've accomplished a lot so I feel good about what we've been able to do. I hope I can continue it. I'd like to see the new downtown completed. We did complete the South Civic Center, the first new police station in 50 years. We've done a lot, so I look forward to more challenges," said Fouts.
Fouts, who was trailing Colegio, said his supporters actually called it a night before the final numbers came in. With all 49 precincts reporting, Colegio was narrowly ahead, 51% to 48%. Then a wave of 12,000 absentee ballots were totaled, with the end result boosting Fouts ahead 57% to 43%.
Colegio spent eight years on the Warren City Council and served as Mayor Pro Tem under Fouts.
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