Democrats sweep Elyria at-large race with two incumbents, two newcomers

ELYRIA — Democrats once again swept the city's four at-large City Council seats on Tuesday, ensuring that they will maintain their clear control over the body through 2027. According to complete but unofficial results from the Lorain County Board of Elections, the top vote getters were both first time at-large candidates, as longtime city employee Gina Rothgery led the field and local bank manager Matthew Van Wormer came in second. Incumbents and fellow Democrats Chad Schneider and Phil Tollett held onto their seats, finishing third and fourth respectively. Independent Clifton Oliver finished fifth, about 5 percent behind Tollett for the fourth seat, while Republican Paul Lungo came in sixth. Rothgery was the only candidate in the six-person field that cracked 20 percent of the vote, receiving 4,943 votes to claim 21.34 percent of the total. She said she was overwhelmed by the level of support she received as a first time political candidate. "It feels fantastic," Rothgery said from a Democratic watch party at the Elyria Knights of Columbus Hall. "I am honored and humbled to have made that impression on the voters. I'm out there, I'm talking to them, I've been listening and I hope I do as good a job as they want me to." Van Wormer, who unsuccessfully ran for Council in the 1st Ward two years ago, was closest behind with 4,435 votes, or 19.14 percent. "I am just ready to get to work," Van Wormer said. "I am humbled again just like I was in May. I appreciate the faith that people are putting in me, I feel like I have built a lot of great relationships throughout the city. They know my roots run deep here, and I want to keep those roots growing." Schneider, who will now serve a third term on Council, drew 17.83 percent of the vote, amounting to 4,177 votes. "I am so very fortunate and grateful to the voters of Elyria for voting me back in for my third term," Schneider said. "I am very committed to this community, and I'll continue working to ensure Elyria thrives as a safe, vibrant and inclusive place for all." Tollett claimed the final available seat, following Schneider closely behind with 4,131 votes, or 17.83 percent. His election secured his fourth consecutive term on Council. "I am very thankful to the taxpayers, I think the message of working with the administration has been successful and we will continue fighting the good fight," Tollett said. Oliver was the first man out in the race for four seats, garnering 2,813 votes or 12.14 percent of the vote. Oliver said that he was disappointed by the result, but proud that he had more than doubled his vote count from his prior unsuccessful at-large bid in 2023. "I am in shock, a little bit," Oliver said over the phone. "We worked really hard this year, compared to years past we put in a little more extra work, so it is obviously disappointing to not get the results when we put in the work. But, you know, it is not over. I plan on returning to the ballot at some point, in some position." Rounding out the race was Lungo, who finished with 2,668 votes to finish with 11.52 percent. "I want to thank everybody who came out to vote today, and we hope for better things in the future," Lungo said. "I will continue going to City Council meetings, getting involved and trying to make Elyria a better place to live." While Tollett and Schneider retained their seats, Rothgery and Van Wormer will replace outgoing Democratic Councilmen Tom Callahan and Vic Stewart, who had served as Council President. All of Council's incumbent ward representatives secured reelection, while Democratic newcomer Ed Doehne won the race to replace outgoing 3rd Ward Councilwoman Mary Siwierka, also a Democrat. The full results of ward races are as follows: 1st Ward: Incumbent independent Andrew Lipian defeated Democratic challenger Maggie Lieux by a margin of 847 to 492, or 63.26 percent to 36.74. 3rd Ward: Democrat Ed Doehne defeated Republican former Councilman Garry Gibbs by a margin of 935 votes to 820, or 53.28 percent to 46.72 percent. 5th Ward: Incumbent independent Brad Armstrong defeated Democrat Kim Black-Brown with 340 votes to her 299 for the nearest margin of Elyria's elections. He took 53.21 percent of the vote while Black-Brown had 46.79 percent, 2nd Ward: Incumbent Democrat Brenda Davis ran unopposed. 4th Ward: Incumbent Democrat Kenny Oswald ran unopposed. 6th Ward: Incumbent Democrat Donna Mitchell ran unopposed. 7th Ward: Incumbent Democrat Jack Cerra ran unopposed. Contact Owen MacMillan at (440) 329-7123 or omacmillan@chroniclet.com.