LaRhonda Patrick re-elected mayor of Warner Robins in landslide victory

Patrick campaigned on strengthening public safety and economic growth and earned a decisive win over challenger Fabian Velazquez.

WARNER ROBINS, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – Mayor LaRhonda Patrick has been re-elected to a second term as Warner Robins’ top official, defeating challenger Fabian Velazquez in Tuesday’s election.

Patrick received 9,518 votes, or 79.23 percent, while Velazquez earned 2,495 votes, or 20.77 percent.

Patrick, who first took office in 2022, campaigned on continuing the city’s progress in public safety and economic development. During a September debate, she pointed to her education and experience as key qualifications for leading the city.

“For a city this size, there are real decisions that have to be made,” Patrick said. “There are real operations that have to completed. And you cannot entrust someone who has not studied to show themselves proved to run a city the size of Warner Robins, Georgia.”

At the same debate, Velazquez said his campaign focused on crime and community involvement, calling for more accountability from local leaders.

“I’m seeing more kids walk around with guns,” Velazquez said. “They’re murdering each other. They’re getting murdered and committing murder.”

Patrick countered that her administration’s investment in public safety has strengthened the city’s police force.

“That’s why we invest 54% of our budget into public safety to make sure that we are recruiting and retaining our workforce,” she said.

Patrick’s win secures her another four-year term.

41NBC News will have more coverage and election results from across Middle Georgia Tuesday night at 11.