Derrick Thompson defeated business owner Peter Pappas in Tuesday’s municipal election, according to unofficial returns.

Thompson received 962 votes and Pappas received 619 votes, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections.
Thompson and Pappas were running for the seat vacated by Christopher Davis, a one-term councilman who ran for the Democratic nomination for the N.C. House District 45 seat. Davis lost in the primary.

Thompson, 60, an Army veteran, moved to Fayetteville in 2003. He is retired from the Postal Service.

“I am just thankful, appreciative and humbled tonight,” he said Tuesday.

Thompson said being on the City Council will be an opportunity to serve the city on a larger scale.

“I will continue to serve my district, my neighborhood and my community. It’s what I’ve done for the last 19 years since I’ve been in Fayetteville, including the last five years as president of my neighborhood HOA and on the board for the last 13 years.”

Thompson also applauded Pappas for running a clean and respectful campaign.
Pappas, 44, has owned and operated Baldinos Restaurants for 24 years and is a commercial real estate broker.

“I appreciate the residents who came out to support me and even the ones who voted for my opponent,” Pappas said Tuesday. “We need that involvement in our community. It’s important that we are all involved.”

Pappas said he will continue to be engaged in the community and encourage participation from others.

“This has been a very exciting and rewarding journey, and I look forward to more,” said Pappas.