MARSHALL — This year the city of Marshall had a three-way race to choose its next mayor, and while unofficial vote totals show Mayor Bob Byrnes being re-elected, both he and current Lyon County Commissioner Steve Ritter each received sizable portions of the vote.

Unofficial vote tallies Tuesday night showed Byrnes receiving 2,550 votes, or 49% of a total 5,467 votes. Ritter received 2,024 votes, and Noel Ayala received 606 votes.

“It has been an honor to serve, and it is an honor to be re-elected,” Byrnes said Tuesday night. The next four years will be challenging, as Marshall deals with situations like the COVID-19 pandemic, he said. However, Byrnes said, “Hopefully we come out stronger.”

Byrnes has served as mayor of Marshall since 1992.

Byrnes said he also wanted to show his appreciation for Ayala and Ritter. Elections are a fundamental part of democracy, and it was a positive thing that Marshall residents are willing to campaign, share their views and take part in that process.

“I think it’s good for the community,” Byrnes said.