Did Richard Branson's April Fools' prank sink Branson's mayor?

Real estate agent Karen Best, the recently elected mayor of Branson, told Branson Tri-Lakes News that Richard Branson's prank on the city of Branson and defeated incumbent Raeanne Presley's participation in it "absolutely" affected the final tally last Tuesday.

Presley lost by 162 votes.

The March 31 prank had Richard Branson writing Virgin would move its U.S. headquarters to Branson, as well as send its red-backed planes to Branson Airport. Presley participated by appearing in a video and taking to Twitter to "welcome" the billionaire to the city.

Newsweek reports some didn't appreciate the joke. In particular, some got their hopes up after Presley's appearance lent validity to the prank, according to the report.

Read more from Newsweek.