SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV) – Mayor Van Johnson will keep his spot in office.

The incumbent is the projected winner of the 2023 Savannah mayoral election, with 77% of the vote (16,773 votes).

Alderwoman Kesha Gibson Carter came in second with 4,256 votes followed by T.L. Davis at 667 votes.

For many Savannahians, changes in homelessness, gun violence, affordable housing, community engagement and infrastructure were top of mind when they went to the ballot box.

Johnson ran a campaign to continue the growth of the Hostess City with the slogan “Savannah Strong,” making the city safer and more profitable.

He told News 3 that he felt “cautiously optimistic” as the votes poured in.

“I’ve been in this long enough to know it isn’t over ’til it’s over. And boxes come in, they come and go, we led from the beginning.”

He continued, “All the incumbents won which meant that people are happy with the direction of the city.”

He finished by telling the community that he was looking forward to another four years.

Johnson’s victory party

Gibson-Carter, who on occasion goes head to head with Johnson during council meetings, ran a campaign to reduce poverty, protect residents from displacement and bolster community benefits.

Newcomer Davis, a member of the NAACP, ran on the issues of affordability in the city, public safety and increasing funds for higher education.

Find a complete list of election results by clicking or tapping here.