Don Murphy narrowly defeated Gary Waters by eight votes to become the next mayor of Pelham.

In Tuesday’s runoff, Murphy received 1,321 votes, or 50.15 percent, to Waters’ 1,313 votes, or 49.85 percent, according to unofficial results.

Murphy will succeed longtime mayor Bobby Hayes, who did not seek re-election.

Murphy, who celebrated his victory at Fran’s Restaurant, wasn’t surprised by the tight election results. Murphy commended his opponent for running a tough campaign, and said he eager to get to work.

A disappointed Waters learned the results at Pelham City Hall. Waters congratulated his opponent, but said he will file for a recount Wednesday to guarantee the accuracy of the results.

Four City Council seats were also up for grabs.

Teresa Nichols defeated incumbent Rosemarie Metcalf in the Place 1 runoff. Nichols received 1,340 votes, or 52.12 percent, to Metcalf’s 1,231 votes, or 47.88%.

Incumbent Mike Dickens defeated incumbent Willard Payne in the Place 2 runoff. Dickens received 1,320 votes, or 51.87 percent, to Payne’s 1,225 votes, or 48.13 percent.

Bill Meadows defeated Beth McMillan in the Place 3 runoff. Meadows received 1,276 votes, or 50.57 percent, to McMillan’s 1,247 votes or 49.43 percent.

Incumbent Karyl Rice defeated incumbent Bob Sullivan in the Place 5 runoff. Rice received 1,310 votes, or 52 percent, to Sullivan’s 1,209 votes, or 48 percent.

Voter turnout was up from the Aug. 26 general election. Poll workers reported 2,641 votes were cast in the runoff compared to 2,584 votes cast in the general election.