Dianna Hutzel and Trey Kirby will face off in a runoff election for the Ward 5 Norman City Council seat on April 7, after no candidate achieved a 50% majority in the municipal election Tuesday.
As of 8 p.m., with 1,730 votes cast, Hutzel received 47.98%, or 830 votes, while Kirby received 26.53%, or 459 votes, according to unofficial results from the Oklahoma State Election Board’s website.
Shai Fenwick received 25.49%, or 441, of total votes.
In a statement to OU Daily Tuesday night, Hutzel thanked Ward 5 residents for voting.
"As we head into a runoff, I am the only candidate offering full-time, results-driven leadership that puts facts, safety, and fiscal responsibility first," Hutzel wrote. "Ward 5 deserves a councilmember with decades of experience managing complex programs and budgets, proven problem-solving skills, and the ability to focus fully on supporting residents and protecting what makes Ward 5 special."
Kirby acknowledged his opponents' willingness to run for council in a statement to the Daily Tuesday night.
"Running for public office is not easy, and I want to acknowledge both of my opponents for stepping forward to serve. Shaista Fenwick ran a thoughtful campaign, and I respect the effort and commitment she brought to this race," Kirby wrote. "This campaign is about Ward 5 and the future of Norman. I am ready to continue the conversation, to listen, and to earn your trust in the weeks ahead as we move toward the April runoff."
The winner of the runoff election will replace current Ward 5 Councilmember Brandon Nofire, who was appointed to the seat after former Councilmember Michael Nash resigned in August.
More information about each candidate’s platform can be found in OU Daily’s election guide.
This story was edited by Natalie Armour. Hannah Lambert and Mary Ann Livingood copy edited this story.
