Albertville Mayor Jillian Hendrickson received another term as the city’s top elected official, while Rob Olson sailed to re-election after rounding out a two-year term on Albertville City Council Tuesday night.
And Walter Hudson, a relative newcomer to the community who waged a write-in campaign for the other open council seat, was victorious with 54 votes, earning a spot on the council for four years.
“I am thrilled and humbled to serve again for our community,” Hendrickson said. “Many thanks to everyone who supported this campaign. I will listen and continue being a active Mayor who supports and serves Albertville.”
Hendrickson, unofficially, received 1,153 votes to 645 for challenger Brad Cedergren, owner for Forte Music Academy and organizer for the STMA community’s Beyond the Yellow Ribbon Campaign.
Olson tallied 1,368 votes, with his name being the only printed name on the ballot for Albertville voters.
Hudson, a conservative talk show host and grass roots organizer, threw his hat into the ring as a write-in candidate shortly after the filing period closed. He worked his way through crowds and participated in the STMA Women of Today’s Voters Forum last month, as well.
Hudson will take over Dan Wagner’s seat, who served two full terms. Wagner said he was stepping aside to spend more time with his family.
“I’m overwhelmed by the number of write-in votes my neighbors took the time to cast. I want to thank voters for their trust, and stand committed to proving worthy of it. This election serves as my introduction, both to the community at large and to public office,” Hudson said in a statement Tuesday night. “I have a lot to learn before taking office in January, and will have much to learn throughout this term, I look forward to getting to know my neighbors better and working strenuously to ensure they receive the services they expect, while left otherwise free to pursue their happiness.”
The results are unofficial until canvassed by the Albertville City Council. City Administrator Adam Nafstad stated the panel would do that Monday afternoon, around 5:30 p.m.