Incumbent Hope Mills Mayor Jessie Bellflowers will retain his seat by less than 20 votes, according to unofficial results in the Nov. 4 election.

Bellflowers received 690 votes, or 50.44%, and challenger Todd Henderson received 673 votes or 49.12%. Six ballots, or 0.44%, were cast for write-in candidates.

Though the margin was narrow, Bellflowers finished 18 votes ahead, just above the threshold for a recount under North Carolina's 1% rule .

Editor's note: This is a developing story and will be updated.

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