In the Warren County District 3 Supervisor race, incumbent Charles Selmon defeated James E. Stirgus Jr. in the Democratic Primary Tuesday. Selmon will face independent Eros Smith in the November general election.

Selmon had 451 votes to Stirgus’ 330 votes, winning by 57.31 percent of the vote.

“I’ve run three times, and I’ve lost three times,” Stirgus said. “The people have spoken, and the constituents wanted to keep Mr. Selmon. It’s been a good run. I’ve tried, and they chose who they wanted.”

Stirgus said he has learned valuable lessons from each election and has grown from defeat.

“Losing brings out the best in me,” Stirgus said.

He wanted to thank his supporters and to congratulate Selmon on his victory.

“I’m real happy with all of the persons that voted for me. I appreciate them very much,” Stirgus said.

When asked if he would run again, he said, “never say never.” As for now, Stirgus is going to continue working on the Vicksburg Warren School Board and will talk with his family about what happens next.

Selmon is grateful the community still trusts and believes in him after four years of service.

“It’s good to know that people, after years of being in office, still believe in you and still trust you to do the job that they want you to do,” Selmon said.

The continued support from the community is exciting to him, he said. He believes the community must see something good in him and he must be making the right decisions.

“There’s a level of trust to know that every decision I make is for the people that I represent or is for this community, and I think the proof is always in the pudding,” Selmon said.

He attributes his victory to God’s grace.

“I think that it’s not necessarily about me, I think it’s just God’s will,” Selmon said.

Selmon wanted to thank the people who participated in the primary election process.

His main focus now is getting the word out on the importance of voting. Even if it’s absentee or an affidavit vote, they are all valid to the election, he said. People think their vote won’t make a difference or sometimes the weather can be a factor, he said, but he is looking for a better turn out in November.

“People are just complacent about voting,” Selmon said. “Every person that runs for office, not just myself, needs to keep telling people how important it is for them to vote, for them to express themselves at the polls, for them to let their choices be known.”

Selmon can now look ahead to the general election in November between him and Smith.

Smith said knowing who his opponent is does not change his preparations. He still wants to run a positive, clean campaign.

“I feel in my heart that the next several weeks are going to be very competitive and heartfelt. Both candidates, he and I both, are going to put our best foot forward to try to make this a very positive race. We both want to see Vicksburg prosper, we want to see District 3 prosper,” Smith said.

Smith knows the community respects Selmon, but he thinks that change is worthwhile for growth. He plans to bring a new vision to Vicksburg, especially District 3.

“He’s a very well respected incumbent. He’s been there four terms so I’m sure the people know his line of work since he’s been in office,” Smith said. “But I feel that I can bring a different vision for District 3. I feel that change is good.”

That vision includes his plans and goals for a solid infrastructure, building police relations and dealing with flooding issues. He wants to see an economic boom for the district.

“I feel like all other districts in Warren County have prospered, and blossomed and I think District 3 needs that economic shot in the arm as well,” Smith said.

He hopes the people listen to his platform, and maybe his merits will take him to victory.