Voters elected Democrat Stephanie Terry, who is African American, over Republican Natalie Rascher by a margin of nearly 49-percent to about 40-percent.
Libertarian Michael Daugherty received about 11-percent of the vote. Terry had words of thanks for her supporters at the celebration event at City View in Evansville.
“It's been amazing,” she said. “I mean, we assembled probably over 150 volunteers from people from all walks of life that wanted to be a part of this. And so, this room, the energy in this room speaks to that. So I'm so grateful.”
Evansville Democrats gained a commanding eight-to-one majority on the city council along with the mayor's office. Terry said she looks forward to getting to work, focusing on public safety, neighborhood revitalization and education.
She said despite Democrats' big gains, she wants to work with all residents regardless of party.
She will replace incumbent Republican Lloyd Winnecke who decided not to seek a fourth term.
Democrat Mary Ellen won an at-large seat on City Council. She said the ensuing feelings are difficult to describe.
“I mean, to have our first woman mayor and a Black mayor. It's it's just so exciting. I don't have words.”
New Democrat faces on city council include Courtney Johnson and Paul Green.
While Republicans lost every contested seat to Democrats, the Grand Old Party offered a positive take on the results.
They conceded defeat at about 7:45 PM Tuesday night, with party chair Mike Duckworth speaking first to the crowd.
“This is not the result that we wanted,” he said. “But we can hold our heads up, Republicans will be back and we will come back with a force.”
Incumbents Ron Beane and Jonathan Weaver are off city council; the remaining Republican Angela Koehler Lindsey who ran uncontested, thanked supporters and volunteers.
“I've learned as much from you guys as you probably did for me. So I will be there and I will do my best to make a whole bunch of noise.”
Natalie Rascher, candidate for mayor, started her concession speech telling everyone “it’s OK.”
“It doesn't matter what position you hold, to be a leader,” she said. “And I know I will continue to be a leader in our community. I know all of these candidates over here will continue to be leaders in our community.”
Libertarian candidate for Evansville Mayor Michael Daugherty did not win his bid for mayor on Tuesday night but he made a significant dent in the numbers, with more than 11-percent of the votes for mayor — 2,032 votes.
Daugherty has no regrets.
“I am extremely proud of what I've done, win or lose. And I think the citizens of Evansville are better off now that a lot of these things came to light. And I'm going to continue fighting for the citizens of Evansville no matter what.”
He’s referring to items he felt were neglected by the Winnecke administration and other candidates, namely the state of certain city parks, and concerns of no-bid contracts and excessive bond debt.
He hopes the mayor takes on public safety, parks, roads and sidewalks, and said he’ll be there for the next mayor.
“I will be there to support and help not criticize as long as they keep their campaign promises and want to move forward and help Evansville I will be there by their side.
He's also proud to have run a campaign on about $30,000, with no corporate donations.
18,000 registered voters cast ballots in Evansville. The Vanderburgh county clerk's office reports that's about 21.5-percent of all registered voters in the city.
Terry will take the mayor's office on New Year's Day, incumbent Republican Lloyd Winnecke decided not to seek a fourth term.
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