A Statesboro City Council race that needed an extra election to be decided was won Tuesday by political newcomer Phil Boyum.
Boyum was elected to his first term as District 1 representative in a runoff election between the two top vote-getters from November’s General Election.
Boyum defeated Jonathan McCollar by capturing approximately 60 percent of votes cast — getting the nod on 322 of 537 ballots — in Tuesday’s runoff.
He will fill the City Council seat left vacant by Councilman Tommy Blitch, who resigned in August. The current term will expire in 2013.
Boyum, who arrived at the Bulloch County Courthouse as totals were released, said he appreciates the voters’ support.
“I am humbled by the fact that so many people came out to vote and that so many people in the district got behind our campaign’s message to ‘Do Right,’” he said. “That, ultimately, is what helped win the day.”
Boyum won the race across the board, topping his opponent in early voting — both by mail and in-person — and at the polls.
“I want to give thanks to all of the other candidates, particularly Jonathan in the runoff, for the races they ran,” he said. “And I, of course, want to thank the people who helped with the campaign. It took a lot of people doing a lot of things to win this election.”
The runoff election was held one month after Boyum and McCollar nearly tied for votes received in the General Election, Nov. 6.
In a four-man race, Boyum received 448 votes (33 percent) to McCollar’s 437 votes (33 percent).
Tuesday, McCollar captured just 215 votes.
“We definitely want to continue having our voice heard and will be active in the community,” McCollar said, after viewing the results. “We will still put people over politics and will push to get jobs for the community and do things that are good for people overall.”
Boyum will be officially sworn into office as the Statesboro City Council representative for District 1 during a meeting to be held in January.
“I am excited to be representing District 1 and to help make the best decision for District 1 and the City of Statesboro,” he said. “It is something we’ve all worked hard for.”

Jeff Harrison may be reached at (912) 489-9454.