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Lynnwood City Councilmember George Hurst was leading incumbent mayor Christine Frizzell in early returns released Tuesday night from the Snohomish County Elections Office.
In other results, incumbent Derica Escamilla was ahead in the Position 1 City Council race against challenger Dio Boucsieguez and Isabel Mata was outpacing Ki Seung Cho for the Council Position 2 open seat. Newcomer Bryce Owings was leading incumbent Josh Binda for Position 3 and incumbent Robert Leutwyler was ahead of newcomer Mpiima Mugambe for Position 5.
Lynnwood Mayor
Lynnwood City Councilmember George Hurst, in a rematch against incumbent Mayor Christine Frizzell, pulled ahead in early returns Tuesday night with 2,766 votes (51.48%) to Frizzell’s 2,582 (48%).
After his 2015 election to the City Council, Hurst ran for Mayor in 2017. Frizzell joined the council the same year, later securing the mayoral seat over Hurst in 2021.
“The election returns indicate I am on the path of becoming the next Mayor of Lynnwood,” Hurst said in a statement. “I thank all who voted in an election that was focused on local government. Beating an incumbent is always a challenge and a close race was expected. I thank all of my supporters. I am ready to face the challenge of dealing with the current budget crisis of the 2025 and 2026 budget and at the same time look forward to creating a sustainable 2027-2028 biennial budget. Transparency and collaboration with the new City Council and City staff is key. It is paramount that all policies and decisions we make are aligned with the priorities of Lynnwood residents. I am truly confident about the future of Lynnwood, and I am ready to serve as the next Mayor of Lynnwood.”
Lynnwood City Council Position 1
Incumbent Lynnwood City Councilmember was on track to retain her Position 1 Lynnwood City Council seat, taking 3,067 votes (58%) over her opponent Dio Boucsieguez, who had 2,167 (41%).
The Lynnwood City Council appointed Escamilla in July 2024 after the resignation of former Councilmember Shirley Sutton. Her opponent, Boucsieguez, also ran for Council in 2019 and applied to fill a vacant seat after former Councilmember Julieta Altamirano-Crosby resigned. This was preceded by an unsuccessful 2018 run for state representative in Washington’s 32nd District.
“I’m deeply honored by the trust our community has placed in me,” Escamilla said in a statement. “This campaign was built on safety, authenticity, and compassion and tonight’s win belongs to all of us who believe in a Lynnwood where everyone is seen, heard, and safe. I’m ready to get to work, to lead with transparency and integrity, and to make sure every voice in our city is represented.”
Boucsieguez did not immediately respond to requests for a statement.
Lynnwood City Council Position 2
Isabel Mata was leading Ki Seung Cho to replace Councilmember Patrick Decker for Position 2 on the Lynnwood City Council. Mata held 2,653 votes (50%), 22 votes over Cho’s 2,631 (49%).
Elected in 2021, Decker chose not to seek r-election, instead pursuing a Snohomish County Charter Commission seat.
“I am feeling excited and nervous and all of the emotions,” Mata said in a statement Tuesday night. It is too close to call, but I feel optimistic that the voters in Lynwood align with what I’m hoping to do on the council, that they want to make Lynwood more safe, caring and inclusive. I think that 22 vote lead is gonna continue to grow.”
In a statement Tuesday night, Cho said: “The race for Lynnwood City Council Position 2 remains exceptionally close. As of now, no definitive result has been determined. We are actively monitoring the ongoing ballot count and will release an official statement when additional ballots are processed and the results become clearer.”
Lynnwood City Council Position 3
Bryce Owings was on track to take incumbent Josh Binda’s Position 3 Lynnwood City Council seat, In early returns, Owings had 2,953 votes (56%)compared to Binda’s 2,248 (42%).
Binda was elected in 2021.
“What a night! Thank you Lynnwood, for showing up and making your voices heard! The message is clear that our community is ready for change,” Owings said in a statement Wednesday. “The biggest thank you goes to my wife, Hannah, without her unwavering support none of this would have been possible.”
“I am also deeply grateful to everyone who supported and guided me through this journey. It truly takes a village to make something like this happen, and I did not get here on my own. To anyone in early recovery, I hope my story reminds you that your past mistakes do not define your future. You can rebuild, contribute, and give back. Your best days are still ahead.
Now the real work begins! But first I am going to take some much-needed time with my wife and children.”
Lynnwood City Council Position 5
Councilmember Robert Leutwyler received 3,288 votes (62%) to lead Mpiima Mugambe, who had 1,942 (36.9%) for Position 5 on the Lynnwood City Council.
The City Council appointed Leutwyler in March after the resignation of former City Councilmember Julieta Altamirano-Crosby. Leutwyler also unsuccessfully ran for Council against Altamirano-Crosby in 2023.
“I’m really, just really appreciative of everyone who took the time to vote, appreciative of the support I received, and I really want to recognize everyone who stepped up to run this year,” Leutwyler said Tuesday night. “It’s really hard to put yourself out there, but our democracy needs people from the community putting themselves out there to run for public office. So I wanted to congratulate and thank everyone who ran this year.”
Mugambe Wednesday in a statement said: “Last night, the results of the election for Lynnwood City Council Position 5 are clear, and I have just reached out to Robert Leutwyler to offer him my sincere congratulations on his successful campaign.
The people of Lynnwood have chosen their representative, and I respect the democratic decision. I wish Councilmember Leutwyler the very best as he continues his service to our city. My hope is that he will work tirelessly to address the pressing issues of affordability, safe growth, and community inclusion that were central to our campaign.
To every single person who volunteered, donated, or simply cast a vote for our shared vision—thank you. To the elected officials, unions and organizations who endorsed us your support was the fuel for this movement. We ran a campaign focused on ensuring that Lynnwood remains a place where all residents, especially working families and newcomers, can afford to live, thrive, and feel safe. …Thank you once again to my family, my team, and all the wonderful people of Lynnwood for opening your hearts and homes to me. We will continue the work together.”
Edmonds School Board of Directors
In the only contested position on the Edmonds School Board of Directors, District 4 appointed incumbent Thom Garrard had a large lead over challenger Jason Moore, earning 19,184 votes (69%) to 8,408 votes (30%) for Moore.
District 2 Board incumbent Keith Smith was running unopposed.
In the race for South Snohomish County Fire and Rescue RFA Board, incumbent Jim Kenny (81%) was leading challenger Zoe Pilgrim-Placey (18%) for District 5. For Commissioner District 2 — an open seat — Joseph Wankelman (64%) was leading Harmony Crawford (34%). District 3 Commissioner Mark Laurence was running unopposed.
For Hospital District 2, incumbent Position 2 Commissioner Bob Knowles was running unopposed.
For Snohomish County Court of Appeals, Division 1, District 2, Tam Bui had a narrow lead over Karen Moore (51% to 49%) for Judge Position 1.
Those leading for election to the Charter Review Commission, County Council District 3, were Janelle Cass, Patrick Decker and David Preston.
Vote totals will continue to be released daily as more mail-in ballots are counted.
Voter turnout was at 23.26% for Lynnwood as of Nov. 4.
View countywide election results here.
— Contact Ashley at ashley@myedmondsnews.com.
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