Democratic incumbents in Ward 5 and 6 succeeded in the firstbattle to serve another term as aldermen, while Ward 4 saw afirst-time office-seeker score a big victory in the only Republicanrace on Tuesday’s ballot.

Republican Robert V. “Bob” Massengill defeated Gary S. BoutwellJr. and Boyce O. Bullock by more than 150 votes each to move on tothe general election. He will face Democrat Jerry B. Case, who wasunopposed for the Democratic alderman nomination, in the June 5general election.

“I had a lot of hard-working folks helping me, and I tried tosee all the voters in Ward 4 and I think that paid off,” saidMassengill about his first victory.

He received 220 votes to Bullock’s 59 and Boutwell’s 20 votes,according to unofficial results.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the turnout and the results,”added Massengill.

In Ward 5, the majority of voters showed confidence in AldermanTom Smith by giving him 294 votes. That was enough for him to winthe Democratic nomination outright over Gerald Boyd’s 81 votes and23 votes for Curtis Ray Sutterfield.

“I’m thankful for the overwhelming support that the peopleshowed me,” said Smith, who has already served four years.

He hopes voters will support him once again when he facesRepublican John E. Richardson Jr., who held the office prior toSmith, in the June 5 general election. Richardson was unopposed forhis party’s nomination.

Ward 6 Alderman John E. “Buddy” Allen is also anxiously awaitingthe general election where he will compete with Republican KeithPeden for the position. Allen won the Democratic nominationoutright while Peden was unopposed for the GOP nod.

“I feel humble and grateful. I want to thank the people in Ward6 for the confidence they’ve shown me, and I would like theircontinued support,” said Allen, who has served six years in theposition.

Overall, Allen pulled in 249 votes, compared to Leroy Hewitt’s110 votes, Nell Beeson’s 64 votes and Billy G. Carson’s 26votes.