District 2 voters chose Lauren Poe as their next city commissioner in a close runoff election Tuesday.
Poe's win of about 53 percent of the votes was an abrupt change from the initial election on Jan. 29, in which opponent Bonnie Mott gained about 7 percent more than Poe but did not claim a majority, forcing the runoff.
About 19 percent of registered voters in the district, which includes most of northwest Gainesville, reported to the polls.
Poe and about 20 supporters celebrated the win at The Top Restaurant on Main Street - the same eatery his group visited after the January election.
"Three weeks ago, we expected a runoff," Poe said. "Going into this, we had no idea how to feel."
For his excited supporters, the surprise may have sweetened the win. His group hugged each other, exchanged congratulations and toasted Poe's election with champagne.
Poe also got into the festivities. Within 15 minutes of arriving at the bar, he was holding a glass of Guinness and a shot of Jameson whiskey.
Though Poe said he was relieved to win the seat, he added that he planned to continue working as an economics and government professor at SFCC.
"I wouldn't want to quit teaching," he said. "I love it too much."
A few blocks away at the downtown Harry's Seafood Bar & Grille, Mott, too, joined with about 20 of her supporters.
Mott, the owner of a local real-estate company, said the loss brought with it a "sweet bitterness." She was saddened by the results but relieved the election was over.
"I'm going to sleep in tomorrow," she said with a laugh. "I haven't slept the last three nights."
Though Mott said she will continue to stay involved at city meetings, she added that she was unsure whether she would run again.
