City Councilwoman Takes Lead In Salt Lake Mayoral Race

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With 100% of precincts reporting, Salt Lake City Councilwoman Erin Mendenhall took the top spot in the race for the mayor.

“I’m humbled. I’m thrilled. I can’t wait to get to work,” Councilwoman Mendenhall said. “I’m ready to win in November.”

Mendenhall tops a field of eight contenders with 23.70% of the vote or 6,924 votes as of Tuesday night.

“I’m honored that Salt Lake City voters want to actually have a choice on the ballot between a state legislator or somebody who knows how to run Salt Lake City.”

Mendenhall’s lead is more than 600 votes ahead of former state senator Jim Dabakis who finished the night with 21.56% or 6,300 votes.

“I’m really thrilled,” Dabakis said. He says the campaign saved about $160,000 that they will now put toward the general election, which will play out over the next couple of months.

“The objective in the primary is to come in first or second….Nobody is going to remember in November who came in first or second. So I think we’re well positioned in the general election.”

State Senator Luz Escamilla came in a close third place, with only 109 votes fewer than Dabakis and 21.19% of the vote.

“We’ll wait for the process,” said Senator Escamilla, moments after seeing the initial election results at 8:01 p.m. Tuesday.

“Obviously you always want to be in the top,” she said. Before 100% of precincts were reporting she said she and her campaign were “very optimistic” adding “we feel good.”