In a consolidated election that saw the highest voter turnout in decades, Peter Schwartzman won a second term as Galesburg mayor.
Schwartzman received 2,831 votes to win 54 percent of the vote, defeating challenger and former mayor John Pritchard by 376 votes, according to unofficial election results.
On election night, Schwarzman told TSPR he was celebrating his win at Smokin’ Willies BBQ with “a relatively small crowd.”
“But those are the people that stood up and really worked and pounded the pavement, knocked on doors, put in signs and spread the message. They spread the message of hope, spread the message of forwardness and thoughtfulness and togetherness and nothing about this hate and backwardness and lies,” Schwartzman said, taking aim at his opponent’s campaign.
Pritchard, who runs 11 radio stations in Illinois and Iowa, previously served two terms as Galesburg mayor. Four years ago, Schwartzman defeated Pritchard and a fellow challenger with 47% percent of the vote.
“I want to thank all the folks who supported my run for office,” Pritchard told TSPR.
Schwartzman is a professor of environmental studies at Knox College and former Ward 5 council member.
“The people have spoken and I'm so excited,” he said.
Just over 30% of registered voters — or 5,330 people — cast ballots in Tuesday’s election. The last time Galesburg saw over 30% voter turnout in a consolidated election was in 2001.
In city council races, Wendel Hunigan ousted longtime Ward 2 Council Member Wayne Dennis with 61% of the vote.
In Ward 4, Dwight White held on to his seat against challenger and former council member Corine Andersen with 61% of the vote.
And in Ward 6, Greg Saul won 54% of the vote in a three-way race, defeating Tianna Cervantez and Demarkius Medley.
“I appreciate all the hard work that our walkers and door knockers and our team put together. Without them, I wouldn’t have been able to do this. I thank everyone in the ward who voted for me and appreciate their support,” Saul said.
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