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Dan Gibson talks to supporters outside the Natchez Grand Hotel Tuesday night before joining his victory celebration at the Natchez bandstand on July 14, 2020. (File photo | The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson will get a city-owned vehicle. (File photo, The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell offers his congratulations to Gibson during Gibson’s celebration. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez mayor-elect Dan Gibson celebrates with Marla Toman Tuesday evening outside the Natchez Grand Hotel. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

(Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson is asking Natchez residents to wear a mask. (File Photo, The Natchez Democrat)

Dan Gibson supporters hand out hotdogs and drinks to celebrate. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

Natchez mayor-elect Dan Gibson with Caroline Deason, widow of Kevin Deason. (Ben Hillyer / The Natchez Democrat)

NATCHEZ — Dan Gibson handily won election Tuesday to become the next Mayor of Natchez.

Democratic Nominee Gibson earned 2,267 votes, or 63.6% of the vote, to independent challenger Phillip West’s 1,292 votes, or 36.3% of the vote.

“I am so grateful and so humbled by this outpouring of support from all of Natchez,” Gibson said surrounded by well-wishers and supporters as YZ Ealey played B.B. King blues music from the gazebo that was strung with multi-colored lights on the Natchez bluff.

Gibson, a former mayor of Crystal Springs, a lobbyist, a Natchez Bed and Breakfast owner and a Natchez resident of four years, ran on a platform of bringing jobs and economic opportunity to Natchez.

“Our positive message resonated with Natchezians from every demographic — black, white, Republican, Democrat,” Gibson said. “It did not matter, and tonight we celebrate.”

Indeed, supporters, mostly wearing facial masks in compliance with COVID-19 pandemic requirements, asked to take pictures with Gibson and danced around the gazebo to the electrified blues music performed by Ealey.

“Natchez resonated with the message of hope, promise and opportunity for all of us,” Gibson said. “We live in a community where love conquers hate, and tonight we proclaim that positive overcomes. We are one Natchez.”

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