Cunningham and Gomez unopposed

With Century's Interim Mayor Luis Gomez and Interim Seat 2 Councilman Henry Cunningham being the only candidates in each office to qualify, there will be no special election in Century. Gomez and Cunningham will remain in their roles and be sworn in at 10 a.m., on Saturday, Nov. 11 at Century Town Hall.

Gomez was seat 2 councilman and served as council president until former mayor Ben Boutwell resigned late August 2023. Gomez was sworn in as interim mayor and Century resident Henry Cunningham was appointed as interim seat 2 councilman. Cunningham was one of three who submitted applications to serve. The other two were Eddie Hammond and Calvin Cottrell, Jr. Hammond lost by a 2 to 2 split vote, with Council members Dynette Lewis and Shelisa Abraham voting no and Council members Alicia Johnson and Sandra McMurray Jackson voted yes on Hammond's approval. Cunningham won unanimously.

Qualifying ended Sept. 27 and Gomez and Cunningham were the only two to qualify.

When asked how they felt about qualifying with no opposition, Cunningham and Gomez had their own personal thoughts.

"I think it says a lot because either people have a little faith in me to do a decent job or they're just hoping that I can do a good job," said Gomez. "I think they're just giving me a chance. That's why it's so important for me not to fail. I want to do the best job I can for the citizens. I really want to thank the people for having enough faith in me to lead so I'm going to do the best job that I can."

Cunningham said he was ready to run and up for the challenge when he threw his hat in.

"I was kind of shocked at first," said Cunningham. "I thought somebody would at least challenge me. A lot of people talk about wanting to get in the fight, but it looks like nobody wanted to, so here I am."