The city of Sedona is heading into another runoff election for its new mayor.
With two different political approaches, current Vice Mayor Scott Jablow and candidate Samaire Armstrong will attempt to gather as many more votes as they can between now and November.
The unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary election showed that Jablow received 1,137 total votes for 36.11% of the overall votes and Armstrong received 967 total votes for 30.71% of the overall votes. The Yavapai County Recorder’s Office estimated at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 3, that 17,000 early ballots dropped off at vote centers and drop boxes and 231 provisional ballots had yet to be counted. The county did not return calls indicating how many may affect Sedona’s election.
“I am very honored to have received the most votes for mayor during the primary election,” Jablow said. “I am looking forward to the general election on Nov. 8 to complete the process. I believe that my eight years of continued engagement to our residents has been appreciated and I look forward to taking it to a whole new level of representing the public in my first term as Sedona’s newest mayor.”
Both J ablow and Armstrong are now currently planning their campaign for the upcoming runoff race.
“I am so incredibly grateful for all who turned out in support of our efforts to bring balance back to Sedona,” Armstrong said. “I want to thank the overwhelming community of supporters who have voted, attended our meet & greets, watched forums, put up signs, donated and sent wonderful wishes of support. We could not have made it this far without you. Together we will restore accountability and put balance back in the hands of the Sedona residents and businesses.”
For the four-term incumbent Mayor Sandy Moriarty, the loss showed residents’ desire for new leadership in the city. In third place, Moriarty received 583 votes for a 18.51% of the total votes.
“It has been the honor and privilege of a lifetime to serve as the mayor of the city of Sedona alongside all of my fellow councilors over the years and two of the best city managers and the best staff in the multiverse,” Moriarty said. “I am very proud of the work we have accomplished together. I also want to thank my campaign team and the many people who have supported me throughout my time in office. It has never been about me, but rather about having a strong vibrant city that continues to move forward to meet the challenges we face today.”
After the results, Moriarty gave her support to Jablow in the upcoming general election.
“I hope those who have supported me will continue to support that progress by voting for Scott Jablow in the general election in November,” Moriarty said. “I will continue to work for the remainder of my term to do what is best for the city as a whole, which has always been my only goal.”
For mayoral candidate Kurt Gehlbach, this election was his second attempt to get the spot. As of Thursday morning, the county put him at 462 total votes for 14.67% of the total vote.
Gehlbach did not comment on the election results nor who to support in the upcoming general election and has not posted to his Facebook page since July 31.
The two-year mayoral position oversees the city council’s meetings, appointments and agendas. The runoff is on the general election ballot, taking place on Tuesday, Nov. 8.
