City Councilman Richard Thomas declared victory in the Democratic mayoral primary election in Mount Vernon Thursday night.

Five candidates participated, but two frontrunners had conspicuously been at one another's throats.

Thomas and incumbent Mayor Ernie Davis publicly traded barbs in the week leading up to the primary. 

Thomas jumped out to an early lead and never let up, announcing his victory just before 10:30 p.m.

"This victory confirms we really need a partnership in City Hall," Thomas said during his victory speech. He thanked his wife and the community and pledged to bring new initiatives to the city.

Davis, who came in second place, had accused Thomas of "thuggery" early in the week, saying the latter's brother had assaulted one of the mayor's campaign workers. Thomas countered by charging that Davis was running a campaign based on "intimidation."

The 76-year-old Davis, who is also an architect, was seeking his fifth term. He said he will return to his own business when he leaves office.

Former Mayor Clinton Young, who was also a candidate in the primary, joined Davis in his campaign headquarters shortly after Thomas declared victory. Both former mayors said that as Democrats, they would support the party candidate.

Thomas said that in spite of the heated rhetoric, his focus was listening to what voters want.

"They want lower taxes," he said. "They want higher property values and better schools. You know we want our kids to have a childhood, and that's basically what I stand for."

Reports showed that voter turnout was high at polling stations across the city. Thomas secured high-profile endorsements from the police and firefighter unions just days before the primary vote.

Along with Thomas and the two former mayors, the race included longtime state Sen. Ruth Hassell-Thompson and veteran city Comptroller Maureen Walker.