Beaumont council approves canvass of May 3 election, swears in six new members

The Beaumont City Council approved an ordinance canvassing the totals of the May 3, 2025, city election and then administered the oath of office to six newly elected council members during a public meeting in the council chamber.

City Clerk Tina Russo read the election totals aloud before the council voted to approve the canvass. "I will canvas the totals of the May... I'll start with the office of mayor," Russo said as she read vote counts that included Robin Mouton with 5,559 votes (39.78%), Roy West with 4,232 votes (30.28%), Randy Felshaw with 3,865 votes (27.65%), Chris Jones with 267 votes (1.91%) and Jude Paredes with 53 votes (0.38%). Russo also read results for council races: councilmember at large Albert "A.J." Turner, 8,735 votes (40.41%); Odwin Samuel, 5,403 votes (25.00%); Mike Williams, 5,885 votes (27.23%); Brian Nevo, 1,592 votes (7.37%). Ward results read included Corey Crenshaw, Ward 1, 2,403 votes (61.58%) and Mark W. Stiles, 1,499 votes (38.42%); Joey Hilliard, Ward 2, 2,450 votes (51.23%) and Mike Getz, 2,338 votes (48.77%); LaDonna Sherwood, Ward 3, 1,696 votes (77.41%) and Terry Preston Roy, 495 votes (22.59%); and Charles Christopher Durio, Ward 4, 1,987 votes (100.00%).

A motion to approve the canvass was made, seconded and approved; the meeting record shows the motion carried after an "Aye" vote by the council. No roll-call vote tally by individual member names was read aloud at the time of the motion on the transcript.

After the canvass, judges and officials administered oaths to the newly elected members. The council administered oaths to Corey Crenshaw (Ward 1), Joey Hilliard (Ward 2), LaDonna Sherwood (Ward 3), Michael (Mike) Williams (councilmember at large), Albert "A.J." Turner (councilmember at large) and Chris Durio (Ward 4). Judge Craig Lively, Jerry Nathan, Judge Naomi Showers Doyle and Judge Ransom Deuce Jones each administered oaths in separate swearing-in ceremonies.

Newly sworn Councilman Corey Crenshaw thanked supporters and said he was ready to begin work. "I am ready to serve you," Crenshaw said after taking the oath. Ward 3 Councilwoman LaDonna Sherwood told voters she heard concerns raised during her campaign and said she would work with staff and fellow council members to address issues including streets, drainage and crime. "I am ready to work alongside city staff, my fellow council members, and you, the Beaumont residents, to turn your concerns into progress," Sherwood said.

Council members who were leaving the dais were recognized and thanked for their service. Councilman Randy Felshaw reflected on six years in his seat and multiple administrations, saying, "I've had the privilege of sitting in this chair and serving the citizens of Beaumont." Councilman Audwin (Edwin) Samuel said he had served more than three decades and expressed gratitude to voters for their trust. Councilmember Taylor Neal reflected on his service since February 2019 and thanked family, staff and constituents.

City staff and senior administrators offered remarks thanking outgoing members and welcoming the newly elected officials. Mayor Roy West closed the meeting by inviting attendees to a reception on the first floor and adjourned the meeting.

The council scheduled no additional formal actions on the canvass item; the meeting concluded with a photo opportunity and a reception for the new council members.