NEW BEDFORD — Two new city councilors will be taking office in January, with James Roy finishing second in the at-large council race and Scott Pemberton edging incumbent Maria Giesta in Ward 2 by 17 votes.

Incumbent Naomi RA Carney, who had finished seventh in the Preliminary , rallied to take the fifth and final spot for councilor at large.

In other contested Ward races, incumbent Leo Choquette won re-election over challenger Matthew Marko in Ward 1; and incumbent Joseph P. Lopes defeated challenger R. Renee Fernandes in Ward 5.

In the School Committee race for three available seats, incumbent Melissa Costa won out, followed by Richard Porter and Vonmarie Moniz. Marcus Coward finished fourth.

In the at-large council race for the top five finishers, incumbent Ian Abreu finished first

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