And then there were four
Newcomer Schuur tops incumbents Fritz, Halter in primary; Newsome must drop out
Lydia Schuur, Councilman Andy Fritz, Councilman Jeff Halter and Richard Higgins prevailed in Tuesday’s Fort Dodge City Council primary election and will advance to the Nov. 7 general election.
Eugene Newsome finished in fifth place and was eliminated from the general election field.
The four candidates who emerged from the general election will be competing for two at-large seats on the City Council.
Schuur, who’s making her first run for public office, led all vote-getters in the primary election. She won 494 votes or 26.99 percent, according to unofficial election results released Tuesday night by Webster County Auditor Doreen Pliner.
Fritz, who’s seeking his third term on the council, finished in second place. He won 486 votes or 26.56 percent, according to unofficial election results.
Halter, seeking his second term, won 461 votes, or 25.19 percent.
Higgins won 204 votes or 11.15 percent.
Newsome won 177 votes or 9.67 percent.
Just 958 ballots were cast.
Schuur described her vote tally as “pretty exciting.”
“I was hopeful of advancing,” she said. “I was very surprised by the numbers.”
Schuur said she’s “very grateful” for everyone who voted for her and for those who encouraged others to vote for her. She said she will be increasing her campaign activity in the weeks leading up to the general election, and will be going door-to-door to meet more people.
Fritz said he was “pretty happy with my numbers.” He said he believes the cold weather and rain reduced voter turnout.
“I’m glad to be able to advance and participate in the general election,” Halter said.
He described the campaign as a “fun process.” He said he will continue to emphasize sewer improvements, the creation of more trail links and the development of the Warden Plaza and a new cultural and recreation center as he campaigns.
“I’m just glad I got in,” Higgins said.
He said he was impressed by Schuur’s primary election performance.
“I think she’s going to surprise a few people,” he said. “It’s going to be an interesting race.”
Newsome could not be reached for comment Tuesday.