Crystal Results: Deshler Elected Mayor, Ward 3 Race Separated by One Vote
This story was updated at 4:20 p.m. on Nov. 6
Voters in Crystal elected a new mayor, while also re-electing three members to the city council.
Julie Deshler was elected mayor with 59.7 percent of the vote and 6,075 total votes, while challenger Rachel Braaten received 39.8 percent and 4,047 votes.
Deshler has previously served on the city council from 2011 through 2020.
She will replace longtime Crystal Mayor Jim Adams, who did not run for re-election.
CCX News spoke with Deshler on Wednesday about what she hopes to bring to city hall.
“I want to try to attract some small business redevelopment, if you will. I want to try to clean up the streetscape. And you know, just work with the council on a number of different issues.”
Ward 3 Race Separated By One Vote, Headed for Likely Recount
Two current members of the Crystal City Council won election, with Taji Onesirosan and David Cummings both running unopposed. John Budziszewski, another incumbent, faced off against challenger Wade Girard. That race was only a difference of one vote.
For Ward 3, Budziszewski led Wade Girard by the one-vote margin. Budziszewski had 1,128 total votes while Girard received 1,127 votes. The race is now expected to head to a recount, but Girard must request one. As of Wednesday afternoon, Girard had not formally done so, according to Crystal City Manager Adam Bell.
Onesirosan, meanwhile, will continue to represent Section 1, while Cummings will continue to serve Ward 4.
The city is divided into two sections. The southern half of the city is Section 1, while the northern half is Section 2. Likewise, the city is divided into four wards. Wards 3 and 4 both represent the northern half of the city.
