Local homebuilder and pastor Keith Richard has won the District 4 seat on Port Arthur City Council.

Richard brought in a total of 303 votes or 62.73 percent of the ballots cast opposed to his opponent, Alicia Marshall, who brought in 180 votes or 37.27 percent of the total ballots cast.

Richard, 51, said he was excited and thanks for the win.

“I want to send out a shout-out to all of my supporters and vow not to let anyone down,” Richard said via phone Saturday. “I will do an honest and fair job for my district especially for El Vista, Port Acres and the West Side. I also commit to my platform to be the true voice for the citizens, listening to the citizens and making myself available. Things are going to happen. I’m very excited and thank God for this win.”

A majority of voters hit the polls early with Richard pulling in 213 votes and Marshall getting 113 votes during early voting.

Richard is not a newcomer to the political arena. Last May he was defeated by incumbent Willie “Bae” Lewis for the District 5 seat by just five votes.

In previous News stories Richard spoke about some of the needs of the city such as city streets and flooding issues.

Funding the repair of city streets will take some work and Richard said he plans to leave no stone unturned to find the needed monies.

Flooding concerns have been brought to his attention by residents on the West Side of town and 18^th and 19^th Streets. He hopes to find a solution to the issue, he said in the previous story.

Richard will replace Stephen Mosley, who stepped down from the seat to run for the Precinct 3 Jefferson County Commissioner’s seat against incumbent Michael “Shane” Sinegal.”