ODESSA, Texas — On Tuesday night, Odessa residents decided to go in a different direction with the Odessa City Council at-large race.
Craig Stoker, the executive director of Meals on Wheels Odessa, has been declared Odessa City Councilwoman at-large, taking down current Odessa City Councilwoman at-large Denise Swanner.
"It is a good indicator of how the community feels," Stoker told NewsWest 9 Tuesday night as the unofficial final results were coming in. "The community is tired of the nasty, tired of the back fighting and not doing business. They are ready to have leaders in roles that deserve leaders. Today, again, showed that."
According to the Ector County Elections Office, Stoker had 16,422 votes (56.4%) and Swanner had 12,716 votes (43.6%).
Stoker took to his Facebook page Tuesday night amidst those final results coming in.
"It was a joyous celebration this evening," Stoker said on Facebook. "Congratulations to my fellow winners Cal Hendrick, Eddie Mitchell and Steve Thompson. I have been in touch with all three and we are ready to get to work! I look forward to being your At-Large City Council Member. I am humbled by your trust."