GONZALES, La. (BRPROUD) — The race to become the next mayor of Gonzales is heading to a runoff and candidates Timothy "Tim" Riley and Kemlyn Bailey Lomas are going head-to-head. Riley and Lomas said they are ready to make history and be the first Black mayor of Gonzales. "My feeling today is awesome, is marvelous," said Riley towards his feelings following the runoff announcement and being one of the candidates left in the race. "Being that I've never ran for office before, and I was a first time ever entering an election not knowing what to expect. It was just a great feeling," said Lomas. Riley has lived in Gonzales for decades and is currently serving as a city council member for District A. He has helped bring to life many projects helping with drainage around the city. Louisiana lawmakers return to Capitol for special session focused on tax reform Lomas is a native of Gonzales and brings many years of experience ranging in local parish and state positions, even holding a spot in the planning and zoning commission since 2021. Both said they're ready to take the race on full force and want to remind people about some of their campaign goals. "Public safety is one of the major things. Secondly, drainage. Thirdly, economic development. And then fourthly, we want to tweak possibly the development code here in Gonzales, we want to make sure it aligns with parish government, which Ascension Parish government," said Riley. "I am committed to growing Gonzales and building community, connectivity, smart connectivity, dealing with that infrastructure concerns, our traffic congestion issues," said Lomas. As people get ready to vote one last time, they have a message. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now BRProud Daily News SIGN UP NOW "I want them to know that Tim Riley cares about them and they're going to have a presence that they've never seen before," said Riley. "There's no I in team. We are a team and it's my team, myself and the community. It takes all of us to take care of business," said Lomas. Gonzales residents will be able to vote on this runoff race on Saturday, Dec. 7.   Latest News Arizona projected for Trump by DDHQ, giving him all 7 swing states Gonzales mayoral candidates speak about heading to runoff, say they are ready to make history What is the 4B movement? Interest spikes after Trump win Reed scores career-best 24 points, Carter adds 21 in LSU's season-opening win over UL Monroe 95-60 Defensive coordinator Joe Woods to make play calls Sunday for New Orleans Saints