Democrats taking council control in Pence's Indiana hometown

COLUMBUS, Ind. (AP) - Democrats will enter 2020 with a City Council majority in Republican Vice President Mike Pence's Indiana hometown for the first time since the 1980s after a recount confirmed a candidate's one-vote victory margin.

Democrats captured their 4-3 Columbus City Council majority in November's election as they defeated two Republican incumbents, including Democrat Jerone Wood's 260-259 win over Republican Councilman Dascal Bunch.

A recount requested by Bunch was completed Dec. 13 and didn't change those results, Bartholomew County Clerk Jay Phelps told The (Columbus) Republic.

Wood said the Democratic council majority is 'œa change in a good direction'ť for Columbus. Wood said he plans focusing on three of the issues he highlighted during his campaign - homelessness, the opioid crisis and youth development.

Republican Mayor Jim Lienhoop, who was unopposed for reelection, has said he's confident of a good relationship with the council as city leaders have worked across party lines for a long time.

Democrats last won a City Council majority in the 1983 election, Phelps said.