ELECTION 2022: Zachary mayoral, police chief races headed for a run-off after tight election

ELECTION RESULTS

ZACHARY, La. (WAFB) - Two highly contested races in Zachary are headed for a run-off in December.

Longtime Zachary Police Chief David McDavid and longtime city councilman Francis Nezianya are headed for a run-off election to determine who will become the city’s next mayor.

Zachary Mayor:

David McDavid (R): 3,497 (45%)

Francis Nezianya (NP): 2,738 (35%)

Laura O’Brien (R): 1,483 (19%)

Darryl “Schuster” Lawrence, Sr. and Justin Nevels are also headed for a run-off over Zachary’s chief of police seat.

Zachary Police Chief:

Darryl “Schuster” Lawrence, Sr. (I): 2,256 (29%)

Justin Nevels (I): 2,080 (27%)

Ty Stephens (R): 1,878 (24%)

Robert Williams III (D): 1,554 (20%)

Both McDavid and Nezianya expressed confidence headed into the next phase of the election.

“I think we can win it,” McDavid said.

“I feel great moving forward,” Nezianya said.

McDavid spent the last 11 years as chief, but after more than four decades with the police department he chose to set his sights on the city’s top job.

”I think I have the experience. I’ve been around here. I know Zachary, I know what it needs to do here, and we’re going to roll up our sleeves and go to work,” McDavid said.

The same goes for Nezianya.

The local business owner has served on the city council since 2006, and served under two different mayors.

He believes his experience and ability to collaborate makes him a good candidate for the position.

”We have to negotiate. When we negotiate and when we work at work as one. We will progress and we will make the city much, much better,” Nezianya said.

Both candidates said infrastructure and crime are two key issues they would tackle if they were to become mayor, but it’s up to the voters to decide who they want to lead that charge in a final vote next month.

”We’ll match up and go up out here after the voters and see who can win,” McDavid said.

”I was not born here, but I am proud of my involvement and my time that I have committed to this great city,” Nezianya said.

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