Incumbent Carolyn Wilson wins reelection over challenger Jason Lundgren

Leavenworth City Council incumbent Carolyn Wilson won a close race over challenger Jason Lundgren. With a low election turnout, Wilson garnered 52 percent of the vote. 

Wilson has served on the council for 10 years overall, from 2002-2006 and from 2011 to present. This is only her second contested election during that time. 

“When I first ran in 2002, I was running against John Pool. I won that election by only 18 votes. It wasn’t anything to write home about but I won. I was appointed in 2011 and ran unopposed in 2013. Technically, this was my other contested race,” Wilson said.  

The reelection process was interesting, she said. 

“When I first filed, I was already nervous, because he has supporters and I have supporters. It made me nervous because he is a formidable opponent, of course and well liked,” Wilson said. 

Lundgren had previously tried two other times to get appointed to the council. He was actually a finalist when Rich Brinkman was selected to the council. Running for office did make Wilson think about things. 

“After my family, my focus has been the city. The thought of not being on council really hit home during this time. I just kept telling myself to be prepared, but you can never be prepared. I’m very happy with the vote,” Wilson said. 

In terms of tipping the election in her favor, Wilson said the people she talked with wanted someone with experience. 

“They would rather have someone in there who can hit the ground running as opposed a new person, who I’m sure who have done a fine job but it’s a big learning curve,” Wilson said. “A lot of people I talked to wanted someone with experience. They were happy with the things I have done. One person commented, probably age 29 or 30, he felt like with three fairly new people on the council, he was leaning toward the experience.”

Wilson said she is ready for another four years on the council. 

“I’m looking forward to finishing a few projects and starting some new project or a challenge. I am up for it,” Wilson said. “I want to thank all of the folks who have encouraged and supported me through this election process.”

Ian Dunn can be reached at 548-5286 or editor@leavenworthecho.com.