Democrats made a strong showing in Tuesday’s City of Lincoln election, retaining control of the Mayor’s office plus keeping — and likely expanding — their majority on the City Council.
In the race for Mayor, Democrat Leirion Gaylor Baird beat Republican Cyndi Lamm by a 54 -45 percent margin.
“Voters resoundingly embraced Leiron Gaylor Baird’s long service to the community and her progressive vision for the city of Lincoln,” said NDP Chair Jane Kleeb. “And voters wisely rejected Cyndi Lamm’s reckless pro-Trump agenda and hurtful rhetoric.”
Democratic Mayor Chris Beutler was precluded from seeking a fourth term after voters approved a three-term limit on the office that was pushed by the GOP. Beutler had beaten Republican candidates in the last three mayoral elections. Democrats have held the mayor’s office since 1999.
In the races for City Council, Democrat James Michael Bowers, a school social worker and small business owner, beat Republican Taylor Wyatt for the District 1 seat that was held by Lamm, who did not seek re-election in order to run for mayor. Bowers won by 53-47 margin.
In District 3, Democratic incumbent Jane Raybould, an executive with her family’s grocery store chain, beat Republican Colten Zamrzla by a 68-32 spread.
In District 4, Democrat Tammy Ward, a longtime political and community activist and aide to former U.S. Sen. Ben Nelson, beat Libertarian James Herrold for the seat vacated by Democrat Carl Eskridge, who did not seek re-election. Ward won with nearly 68 percent of the vote.
The City Council, which had a 4-3 majority of Democrats heading into the election, will pick the successor to fill Gaylor Baird’s at-large council seat until the 2021 election.That likely will give the Democrats a 5-2 majority.
In races for the Lincoln Public Schools Board of Education, Democratic incumbent Annie Mumgaard won another term representing District 4. She defeated Republican Paul Claus 67-to-32 percent..
In District 6, Democrat Bob Rauner, a Lincoln physician, was unopposed in his first bid to serve on the board.
“Lincoln’s Democratic voters showed their strength, wisdom and resolve Tuesday,” Kleeb said. “Lincoln is a Big Blue stronghold and came out to support our strong slate of Democratic candidates. The results propel us towards more Democratic wins in the 2020 election cycle.”
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