Eddie Smith was elected Opelika’s next mayor on Tuesday, defeating challenger Raven Harvis and Herman G. Barnes III to succeed longtime Mayor Gary Fuller, who is retiring after 21 years in office. 

Unofficial returns show Smith with 4,154 votes (about 56%) to Harvis’s 3,155 (about 43%) and Barnes’s 115. 

“Thank you to everyone who came out last night to celebrate the hard work of a long campaign season,” Smith wrote in his victory statement. 

“It was a joy to be surrounded by my friends and family as we heard the results. I am so honored and blessed. Thank you Opelika!

Results will be certified at noon on Tuesday, September 2. 

Smith has served on the Opelika City Council since 2004 and as its president for 16 years. 

His victory marks the first change in the mayor’s office since 2004 when Fuller took office. Fuller announced earlier this year that he would step down at the end of his term. 

Smith is a lifelong resident who graduated from Opelika High, attended Auburn University and the LSU School of Banking, and built a four-decade career in local banking. 

Along the way, he gave back, through roles including Envision Opelika co-chair, past president of the Jaycees, Kiwanis, and United Way of Lee County, and longtime treasurer of the Lee County Youth Development Center.

He is slated to be sworn into office this November.

Grayson Everett is the editor and chief of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on X @Grayson270.