Franklin becomes first woman to be elected mayor of Everett

EVERETT — Cassie Franklin has become the first woman elected as Everett mayor.

Election results Wednesday evening pushed victory out of reach for Judy Tuohy.

The two Everett City Councilwomen have been vying to take over from Ray Stephanson, who is retiring after three terms as mayor.

Not long after the results were updated, Tuohy called Franklin to share her congratulations, Franklin said.

“I just want to thank her for her strong, well-run campaign as well as the incredible work she continues to do for the city,” Franklin said.

Franklin was “starting to think about what might be next and planning for that,” she said.

In a statement to The Daily Herald early Thursday, Tuohy wished Franklin well.

“I congratulate Cassie on her victory and look forward to continue to work with her on making Everett the best it can be,” Tuohy said.

Franklin has counted 7,803 votes, or 44.67 percent, to Tuohy’s 7,605 votes, or 43.53 percent. That’s a lead of 198 votes. Remaining uncounted ballots aren’t expected to close that gap. Tuohy was ahead on election night. She fell behind in subsequent counts, particularly as late-arriving ballots were tabulated.

The remainder of the votes — 11.8 percent — were for write-in candidates.

There are 200 ballots left to count from around Snohomish County. Fewer than 20 of those are from Everett, according to elections officials.

Elsewhere, incumbent mayors appear to have overcome challengers in Lynnwood, Monroe and Mukilteo.

The race for a spot on the Darrington School Board remains tight.

Former school district principal and superintendent Dave Holmer held a one-vote lead over Jennie Requa. The race is tied at 282 to 282 in Snohomish County, but Holmer is ahead in Skagit County 24 to 23 after Wednesday’s count.

The next ballot tally is expected Tuesday.

Reporter Eric Stevick contributed to this story.

Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @rikkiking.