With a successful campaign behind him, D. Harris Nelson is ready to get to work on the Demopolis City Council.

Nelson was elected last week to serve District 3, unseating two-term incumbent Melvin Yelverton.

“The hard work begins now,” he said.

Nelson grew up in Murfreesboro, Tenn. and studied chemical engineering at Mississippi State University. A job with Gulf States Paper (now Rock Tenn) brought Harris to town in 2005.

He married the former Morgan Yeager, a native of Demopolis, and attends Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served on the vestry for three years. He is also on the Marengo County Historical Society board and Canebrake Players Board.

Nelson said he decided to enter politics to try and make a difference.

“If I didn’t do this (run for city council), it’s my own fault for note trying to make it better,” said Nelson. “The easiest thing to do would have been to not run.”

He also credits his wife, Morgan, for her support.

“If I hadn’t had her support through it all, it wouldn’t have happened,” he said.

Nelson said he looks forward to working with Mayor Mike Grayson and his fellow councilmen, which includes two incumbents and two more new faces.

“I’m looking forward to working with all of them,” he said.