EVERETT, Wash. — Cassie Franklin was re-elected mayor of Everett
Franklin leads the race with 73% of the vote. Challenger Steve Oss trails with 27%.
"It shows me that we're on the right path in Everett," Franklin said.
Franklin has been mayor of Everett since 2018. She says she is focused on community safety, addressing homelessness, addiction, mental illness and crime. Franklin said she will continue to work to create jobs and increase community investments in the city.
Franklin has more than 20 years of executive and community leadership, according to her candidate profile. She was the first woman to be elected mayor in Everett.
This next term, Franklin is poised to work alongside a female-majority city council - another first for Everett.
As of Wednesday, District 1 candidate Mary Fosse currently has an 18-point lead over incumbent Paul Roberts.
District 2 candidate Paula Rhyne has a 4-point lead over candidate Greg Lineberry.
District 4 incumbent Liz Vogeli has a narrow lead over candidate Tommie Rubatino.
Franklin said she is ready to work with new council members and looks forward to the prospect of a woman-majority council.
"I have so much respect for the men on the council that have served and I'm very excited about these new women that are coming to join our ranks and serve the community in this way," Franklin said.
This was Everett's first city council election that was voted by district rather than citywide. Previously, all seven council members served at large.
Franklin's opponent, Oss, has never run for office. According to his candidate statement, he has served in the military, owned a coin laundry and, since 1997, has worked for Everett Transit.
Oss says Everett's "financial deficit" needs to be addressed, otherwise "recovery will be very difficult." Oss said businesses "need to feel welcomed into Everett" so they can support the city through tax revenue and jobs.