Brookhaven’s incumbent mayor soundly defeated his Republican opponent Tuesday night to earn the chance to face a Democratic challenger in the general election June 6.

Joe Cox earned 1,033 votes — 76 percent — to John S. Roberts Jr.’s 334 votes — 24 percent — in unofficial results that included votes from the six precincts as well as absentee and affidavit votes.

Cox will face Democrat David D. “SWAC” Smith in the general election.

Smith, as the one mayoral candidate on the Democratic ticket, picked up 1,400 votes —96 percent.

Of the 7,451 voters registered in Brookhaven, only 3,032 — or 41 percent — cast a ballot in the primary.

Lincoln County Circuit Clerk Dustin Bairfield was disappointed more people didn’t vote. “I was really hoping we’d get close to 50 percent,” he said.

He said he is expecting about the same percentage for the general election.

Low voter turnout may be a challenge for Cox and Smith as they head into the general election. Smith received nearly 400 more votes than Cox in the primaries. But now their slate is wiped clean and the campaigning will continue.

Cox was celebrating with supporters and friends in his office after the polls closed and the results were released.

He said his supporters have been a big help in the campaign. “I thank them for coming out today,” he said.

“We need to all group together now for the general election.”