Incumbent Republican Tim Shuffett won a third term on the Columbus City Council, defeating Democratic challenger Ross Thomas for the 5th District seat.
Shuffett, 56, received 1,058 votes, or nearly 55.6% of the vote, against Thomas, 50, who received 845 votes, 44.4%.
“I’m excited to be able to serve the community again, and I appreciate the voters of the 5th District for having the faith in me,” Shuffett said after the results came in. “I’m excited about the opportunity that is ahead of us.”
Shuffett, an estimator at CASE Construction, is finishing his second term on the city council. Shuffett has expressed support for the FairOaks Mall Project, which is located in District 5, saying that it “may actually spur” development in other nearby properties.
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Thomas, a political newcomer and a criminal defense attorney at his own law practice said running for city council was a “wonderful experience” even though he didn’t win and was “proud” of the four Democrats who won seats on the city council.
“It was a wonderful experience for me,” Thomas said. “I’m so proud of the (Democratic) party and proud of Jerone (Wood) and Grace Kestler and Tom Dell and Elaine Wagner. So much hard work from the party, and it really paid off with some success.
Thomas previously sought the Indiana State Senate seat for District 41 last year, but lost in the general election to incumbent Sen. Greg Walker.
“Nobody expected to sweep the board,” Thomas said. “We’re really happy with the results and it bodes well for the future.”
Shuffett’s 213-vote margin of victory was the second largest of any Republican on Tuesday night.
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Columbus City Council District 3
Tim Shuffett (R);1,058
Ross Thomas (D);845
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