Tuesday proved to be a big night for Democrats Grace Kestler and incumbent Tom Dell, who swept the race for two at-large seats on the Columbus City Council, defeating Republican challengers Josh Burnett and incumbent Laurie Booher.
Kestler, 30, steadily led the four-candidate race as soon as results were reported Tuesday evening, receiving 3,597 votes, or 27.65% of the vote. Dell, 65, earned the support of 26.21% — 3,409 votes.
Burnett, 31, finished with 25.67% of the vote, and Booher, 55, received 20.47% of the 13,008 cast ballots.
Kestler, founder of Grace Kestler Consulting and outreach coordinator for Advocates for Children – CASA, is new to the political scene, but has served in a number of capacities throughout the community.
“It is a whirlwind of excitement,” Kestler said. “I’m so excited and thrilled that so many people were out to vote and engaged. It’s so encouraging.”
Dell, co-owner of Dell Bros., will return to his city council seat for a second term. He said it’s an exciting time not only for the Democratic party but also for the city of Columbus.
“I’m humbled that the community thought enough of me that they wanted me to serve them again,” Dell said.
For more on this story, see Wednesday’s Republic.
