While the world awaits the final outcome of Tuesday’s presidential election, Bedford County voters made their choice overwhelmingly clear.

Republican President Donald Trump received 14,317 votes (75.11 percent) to Democratic challenger Joe Biden’s 4,443 (23.31 percent). Approximately 4,600 votes were cast in person on Election Day with the remainder early or by absentee ballot.

But a much smaller race made a big impact in Shelbyville’s city election. Stephanie Isaacs, a leader of the Bedford County Listening Project, defeated longtime City Council member Jean Pruitt 375-316 in the Ward 5 race.

“Over the past several weeks, our campaign had the honor to meet so many of our neighbors. We knocked on lots of doors. We listened and learned from many Shelbyville working families as well as renters,” Isaacs said in a statement Wednesday morning

“I look forward to building alongside the working families and renters of Ward 5 in our town. Our campaign was about working together, as neighbors, shoulder to shoulder. We are bringing that spirit with us to build a bright future for the hard working families in our ward. Together, we will serve our neighbors, fellow renters, and find solutions. I love Shelbyville and my community. I look forward to making it even better for my fellow neighbors. We are proud of everyone who has stood up for Ward 5 alongside our campaign. We invite more of our neighbors to join us in the months ahead,” Isacs said.

“A big thanks to everyone who voted for me, volunteered, and had faith in me. I couldn’t have done this without you all. This win is for us. I look forward to working with the Shelbyville City Council.”

The Listening Project advocates for fair treatment of renters in the Shelbyville area.

Incumbent and former mayor Henry Feldhaus was unopposed in Ward 1, receiving 447 complimentary votes, and unopposed council newcomer Gary W. Haile earned 738 votes in Ward 3.

**State races

The Republican trend continued in statewide and area races.

Bill Hagerty, a former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, overpowered Democrat Marquita Bradshaw 13,884-3,801 (a 76.55-20.96 percent margin) in Bedford County in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Lamar Alexander.

U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais defeated Christopher J. Hale 13,226-4,494 (74.42-25.29 percent) in Bedford County for a sixth term.

Incumbent State Sen. Shane Reeves earned 12,876 votes to Democrat Chase Clemons’ 3,640, a 77.83-22.00 percent margin. In the 14th District race,

State Rep. Pat Marsh won his sixth full term, receiving 14,802 votes in the 62nd District race against write-in challenger Tre Stewart’s 181.

All winners are Republicans.

**Small-town races

Three were elected to Wartrace’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen. Benjamin Cataldo received 199 votes, Sonia Miller 176 and Joe McCurry 159. Brian Ross followed behind with 113 votes.

Kara Brannon received 149 votes and Sandy Jones 148 for seats on Normandy’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen.