The story: Lakeland voters kept Mayor Josh Roman in office on Tuesday, Nov. 3, and sent two newcomers to the Board of Commissioners. One of those commission seats came down to five votes. All four Lakeland precincts have reported, but the results are unofficial until the Shelby County Election Commission certifies them.

Mayor: Roman beat Commissioner Connie McCarter.

  • Josh Roman: 2,927 votes (59.5%)
  • Connie McCarter: 1,967 votes (40.0%)
  • Write-ins: 25

Roman has been mayor since December 2022. He declared victory on Facebook Tuesday night, writing, “Thank you, Lakeland. This victory is for all of us. I look forward to seeing what we can do together with four more years!” (as reported by The Commercial Appeal). McCarter ran on more fiscal responsibility, transparency and accountability around the city’s debt.

Board of Commissioners (top two win):

  • Jeremy Burnett: 3,040 votes (38.74%)
  • Heather Ann Long: 2,380 votes (30.33%)
  • Lindsey Reap: 2,375 votes (30.27%)
  • Write-ins: 52

Burnett is director of UT Extension’s Lone Oaks Farm. Long founded Lakedra’s Chance Wildlife Rescue & Education. Reap finished five votes behind Long.

Wait, five votes? Yep. And the Election Commission’s results site still lists provisional ballots as “Not Reported,” so that gap could change before certification. Early reports from some outlets had Reap in the second seat, so keep an eye on the official count.

School Board: Keith Acton (3,616), Laura Harrison (3,491) and Sara Castellaw (3,412) ran unopposed for three seats and all won.

What’s next: The Board of Commissioners meets Thursday, Nov. 5, at 5:30 p.m. A discussion of a swearing-in ceremony is on the agenda, along with a Fire Station #1 generator purchase and the Estates at Chambers Chapel development contract.

Sources: Shelby County Election Commission unofficial results, Nov. 3, 2026 (last updated 11:59 p.m. Nov. 3); The Commercial Appeal, mayor race; The Commercial Appeal, commission race; Action News 5; City of Lakeland Board of Commissioners agenda, Nov. 5, 2026.

Photo: Funknendai / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)