Lake Highlands resident Jerry Allen won another opportunity to represent his community on the Dallas City Council after a lengthy battle.

The incumbent Allen defeated District 10 challenger Don Sanders in Saturday’s city elections with almost 58% of the vote compared to Sanders’ 42%.

More than 8,000 votes were cast.

Allen, who celebrated the win with family, friends and supporters at Highlands Café, was gratified with the result and thanked everyone involved with the campaign.

“I’m so fortunate for another opportunity to represent the great people of this district. It’s an honor and a privilege. My hat’s off to Don Sanders. He ran a good race and I look forward to working with him in the future,” Allen said.

Sanders wished Allen well in his second term.

"I thank all of the District 10 residents who voted for me. I also thank the many volunteers who worked so hard on my campaign. All of you are very much appreciated. My campaign was dedicated to those who wanted a representative who would listen. I wish Mr. Allen success in moving this district forward to improve our quality of life. I hope he does so by listening and responding to its residents before making decisions," Sanders said.

Allen and Sanders differed on several area issues throughout the campaign, including Lake Highlands redevelopment and the city-owned convention center hotel.

The hotel will move forward as planned after Proposition 1 was defeated Saturday. Allen says Lake Highlands will benefit from the development.

“The hotel is good for Dallas, it moves the city forward. As downtown Dallas prospers, so does Lake Highlands. We’re only a few short minutes away from all the great things happening down there,” he said.

Among those backing Allen throughout the campaign was former District 10 Councilmember and longtime Lake Highlands supporter Alan Walne.

“I think the voters in District 10 realize Jerry Allen is looking out for the best interests of the district and we’re fortunate we re-elected him,” Walne said.

As for Allen’s second term agenda, he says his top priority is continuing to move Lake Highlands forward.

“We all need to be excited and keep the momentum going. Lake Highlands is the next hotspot in Dallas and our top focus should be working together for quality redevelopment,” Allen said.