Eureka Springs Mayor Butch Berry opted out of a runoff against city council member Steve Holifield on Wednesday, Nov. 4, making Holifield mayor-elect and ending Berry’s bid for a fourth term.
Holifield will take office in January, becoming the city’s first new mayor in 12 years.
The race appeared headed to a Dec. 1 runoff after Holifield received 472 votes (48.71 percent) in Tuesday’s general election, according to unofficial results. Berry received 272 votes (28.07 percent), followed by Susan Harman with 225 votes (23.22 percent).
Berry informed the Carroll County Clerk’s Office on Wednesday that he would not continue as a candidate, then called Holifield to concede.
“A few moments ago, I called Mayor-Elect Steve Holifield to offer him my sincere congratulations on his victory,” Berry wrote on Facebook. “Running for public office takes immense dedication, a deep love for our community, and a willingness to step into the arena.
“Steve ran a good campaign, and the voters of Eureka Springs have chosen him to lead our city forward into its next chapter. I want to wish him, his family, and his administration the absolute best as they prepare to take on the responsibilities of leadership.”
Holifield said he had already begun thinking about a runoff when Berry called Wednesday afternoon.
“I was very surprised,” Holifield said. “I really thought he was in for the long haul [and the runoff] … but he decided to go by the numbers.
“It was very sweet of him to call me personally and congratulate me and offer help in the future and all that good stuff.”
Holifield said he was still processing the outcome.
“It’s a great feeling,” he said. “I’m in a little bit of shock and adjusting for it. You know, I told people, I don’t know if I’m going to be more shocked to get [the victory] or not to get it, or more relieved to get it or not get it, because it’s a lot of work and a lot of responsibility, and I really take it seriously.”
Residents already have contacted him with ideas, Holifield said.
“I know a lot of people have already contacted me about a meeting with me, talking about ideas for the future and changes and stuff,” he said. “So, I think that’s great. I’m ready.”
Avoiding a runoff gives him an additional month to prepare to take office, Holifield said.
“It gives me an extra month,” he said. “I was thinking I was only going to have four weeks to really reset my gears and get ready for it. Now I have two months. It helps a lot.
“So, I’ll start meeting with people and start formulating some ideas and get some plans going. I definitely want to meet with the mayor and talk about the projects he talked about that he wanted to finish.”
Holifield praised Berry’s service to the city.
“I know he’s got a big pair of shoes for me to fill,” he said. “He’s a good guy, and I think he’s done a great job in the past 12 years.
“But, it’s time for a change, and that’s what I’m going to do.”
In an interview Wednesday morning, before Berry’s decision, Holifield said he was pleased with his showing in the three-candidate race.
“I thought it might be a little closer, but you know with Susan Harman running it was kind of an unknown factor how many votes she would pull from me or Butch, or maybe not at all … so that was interesting,” Holifield said.
“I was very pleased that I got the numbers I did. I’m really thankful for all the support people have given me. It still amazes me when people walk up to me and say they voted for me, and that they think I would make a great mayor, that they’ve been following me and looking me up, and watching the meetings and stuff.”
Berry, a third-generation Carroll County resident, became mayor in 2015 after running unopposed in the 2014 election. He was Eureka Springs’ first unopposed mayoral candidate in at least 30 years.
Berry defeated two challengers in 2018 to become the first Eureka Springs mayor since 1990 to win re-election. He won another three-candidate race in 2022.
In his Facebook post Wednesday, Berry thanked his family, campaign team and volunteers and said the issues discussed during the campaign remain priorities.
“We brought important conversations to the forefront during this election, from addressing our vital water and sewer infrastructure to finding a way to work toward more housing to uplift residents in our town,” Berry wrote. “Those priorities do not end with an election.”
Berry urged residents to support Holifield.
“Now that the voters have spoken, it is time to unite behind our new leadership,” Berry wrote. “I pledge my full support to Mayor-Elect Holifield during this transition. We must work together to ensure our city continues to thrive.”
HARMAN THANKS SUPPORTERS
Harman, who finished 47 votes behind Berry, said Wednesday morning that she appreciated the opportunity to raise issues during the campaign.
“I want to sincerely thank everyone who supported my campaign, encouraged me, shared my message, and believed in the vision I presented for Eureka Springs,” Harman said. “I am truly grateful for the conversations, friendships, and support along the way. It has meant more to me than I can adequately express.”
After Berry’s concession, Harman called it “the right decision” for the city.
“I am happy for Steve,” Harman said. “At the end of the day we all want what is best for Eureka Springs, and with Butch conceding it gives Steve the opportunity to plan and prepare for his new role without distraction.
“I am glad Butch read the writing on the wall and conceded. It was the right decision for Eureka and its citizens.”
Harman said her commitment to the city will continue.
“I entered this race because I believe Eureka Springs has tremendous potential and deserves thoughtful planning, responsible leadership, and a clear vision for its future,” she said. “I have always believed that we are stronger together, and I hope we can move forward with that spirit. Regardless of the election results, my investment in this community and my desire to see Eureka Springs succeed have not changed.”
Harman said she hoped the issues she raised would remain part of the city’s discussions.
“I have had the opportunity to say what I wanted to say and bring some things forward,” she said. “So, I hope that that is remembered and used as we go forward with Eureka Springs.
“… Knowing that I’m still on [the planning commission], I’m still going to be working to make Eureka a better place.”
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