(April 13, 2004, updated April 14, 12:25 a.m.) -- After a contentious if not downright confrontational 6th district City Council race, a winner has emerged. Incumbent Laura Richardson was reelected to her seat on the City Council with 58% of the vote (unofficial total: 1,094 votes).

Her nearest challenger, Dee Andrews, finished second with roughly 28.5% of the vote (538 votes). Regina Chaney and Lewis Lester finished third and fourth with 7.6% and 6.0%, respectively.

"Turnout was very small, I don’t think we put together a great team like she did. She put together a great team," said challenger Dee Andrews.

Lewis Lester expressed his frustrations with Richardson, "I will make my job for the next year, two years, four years to make sure that everyone who lives in this district knows Laura Richardson's [policies are] dangerous for the residents of the 6th district and the entire city. Her policies will make Long Beach the poorest and most dangerous city in the country."

Of the roughly 13,000 registered voters in the district, only 2,000 filled out a ballot. "That’s not saying too much," says Andrews.

But unlike Lester, Andrews says he will support people’s choice. "I will support my Councilperson, you have to support that, I’m a community person." Andrews was running for the second time after losing to Richardson four years ago.

Councilwoman Richardson and challenger Regina Chaney could not be reached for comment.