NATCHEZ — When Brandi Lewis walked into Bowie’s Tavern Tuesday night she did so to the sound of applause.

The unofficial vote count had just been announced placing Lewis with 4,453 votes, or 52.71 percent of the vote, to her opponent, Joe Murray, who had 3,995 votes, or 47.29 percent.

Lewis said she was driving on her way to what turned out to be a victory celebration when she found out.

“It still hasn’t sunk in,” Lewis said.

Throughout the process, Lewis said she had fun visiting the people of Adams County, as well as getting to know the other candidates.

As she walked around the room, Lewis stopped to talk to friends, family and supporters, hugging some of them.

“All of these people in this room have helped us in one way or the other,” Lewis said. “It’s just very humbling.”

But, of all those around her, she singled out her husband, Grayson Lewis, and her daughter, Lillian Lewis, 5, “for their unwavering support.”

Lewis said she has a tentative plan of what she’s going to do today after a long campaign.

“Maybe rest a little,” Lewis said.

After that, Lewis said she wanted to contact people who had given her their support to say thank you.

“I’m looking forward to stepping into the position of chancery clerk and serving our community and being able to help the citizens of Adams County,” Lewis said.

Over at Biscuit and Blues, Murray said he was most disappointed for the people who had supported him.

“I humbly want to thank everybody for what they’ve done,” Murray said.

Murray said his family had been supportive during the race.

“My family has been with me the whole time and they’re still with me,” Murray said.

Although Murray said he was disappointed about losing, Murray also said he was looking forward to getting back to work as county administrator and working with Lewis.

“I’m think she’ll be a great clerk to the people of Adams County,” Murray said.

Murray said he learned a lot in the past eight months and has no “second guesses” about his decisions.

“I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” Murray said.