Hurst wins Lynnwood mayoral race

Published 8:00 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025

EVERETT — Longtime City Council member George Hurst will be the next mayor of Lynnwood, Monday’s results showed.

Hurst faced incumbent Christine Frizzell, who is seeking her second term as mayor.

The two differed on how best to address the city’s budget deficit, which largely stems from lower-than-expected revenues from sales taxes, construction permits and red-light cameras.

Hurst came in slightly ahead with 51.2% of the vote. Hurst has served on the council since 2015. He also ran for mayor in 2017 and 2021. He worked in the commercial lighting industry for more than 30 years. He said the city’s budget crisis prompted him to run for mayor this year. His campaign largely focused on the budget, and he also prioritized public safety, housing affordability and retaining city leadership.

“The election returns indicate I am on the path of becoming the next Mayor of Lynnwood,” Hurst said in a statement to The Daily Herald on Tuesday night. “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 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.”

Frizzell trailed with 48.4% of the vote. Before serving as mayor, she served one term on the City Council beginning in 2017. Before becoming mayor, Frizzell was a self-employed accountant for more than 30 years. Her campaign focused on public safety, fostering community, and addressing the city’s homeless population. She also wants to contain housing density to the city’s downtown core and support the city’s seniors.

“We had a very energetic finish to my campaign and lots of enthusiasm so we’ll see what future counts hold,” Frizzell said in a statement Wednesday night. “I believe and hope that later counts will turn in our favor, but regardless of the outcome I am committed to working for the constant betterment of Lynnwood.”

The mayor’s salary is about $112,000 per year, according to Lynnwood’s municipal code. As of Tuesday, Hurst raised $21,230 in campaign contributions, state filings show. Frizzell raised $15,995.

The county will continue counting ballots throughout the week and will certify election results Nov. 25. Check heraldnet.com after 5 p.m. each day for the latest results.

Jenna Peterson: 425-339-3486; jenna.peterson@heraldnet.com; X: @jennarpetersonn.