 Lightner was forced into a November runoff where she won re-election, 55% to 45%.As council president pro tem from August 30, 2013 to March 3, 2014, Lightner performed the duties of the council president while Council President Todd Gloria served as interim mayor.On December 10, 2014, Lightner was voted to be City Council President, replacing Todd Gloria

In 2016, she retired from the City Council due to term limits.