DES MOINES, Iowa — Mike Simonson will fill the vacant at-large Des Moines City Council seat, according to unofficial results from the Polk County and Warren County auditor websites.
The local business owner won with 4,264 votes on Tuesday night's special election, beating out four other candidates for Mayor Connie Boesen's former position.
In total, 7,320 Iowans voted in the special election, meaning Simonson garnered 58.25% of the vote.
Here's how the candidates did:
- Mike Simonson (58.25%)
- Justyn Lewis (33.16%)
- Claudia Addy (2.6%)
- Rose Marie Smith (2.43%)
- Benjamin Clarke (2.51%)
Local 5 spoke with Simonson minutes after his victory.
"I feel very good," he said. "58% is a solid number."
In a room full of community stakeholders including councilmembers Carl Voss, Chris Coleman and Mayor Connie Boesen, Simonson spoke about the community working together to combat certain issues.
"Had you been with me on the campaign trail, you would have seen the energy that we have in a lot of the neighborhood associations," Simonson said. "That's, it's critical."
Simonson said he now plans to make this his full-time job, and he thanked everyone for going to vote in the special election.
"Thank you for doing your civic duty, whether you voted for me or another candidate," he said. "Thank you for doing your civic duty."
Simonson, who was the first candidate to throw his hat in the ring, runs the architectural firm Simonson + Associates.
He has spent more than a decade in the public sector, with 12 years on the Des Moines Plan and Zoning Board under his belt.
Simonson told Local 5 he wants to improve affordable housing, invest in public safety and focus on neighborhood revitalization around the city he loves.
"What makes it great? It's a very open community. You can get to know anybody. If you want to make a difference, you can do it," Simonson said. "So that's why I'm here in Des Moines. Why am I running? I see opportunity."
Simonson will hold the position until early 2026, when voters can once again cast their ballots.