The race for four city council seats and the title of mayor of Des Moines has brought 19 people out to run. Thursday was the filing deadline in Des Moines. Mayor Frank Cownie also announced on Thursday that he would not be running for re-election. There’s a special election in Ward 1. This comes after former councilmember Indira Sheumaker resigned earlier this month. In addition to a mayoral race and the special election for Ward 1, there are races for Ward 2, Ward 4, and one of the At-Large seats.Here’s a look at the candidates: Mayor: At-Large council member Connie BoesenBenjamin Clarke Community activist Denver FooteWard 3 council member Josh MandelbaumChristopher Von ArxWard 1:Rob Barron Chris Coleman Kathy HellsternDennis McCullough RJ MillerRose Marie SmithKimberly Strope-BoggusWard 2:Chelsea LepleyCity council member Linda Westergaard (incumbent) Ward 4: Jason BenellBenjamin ClarkeCity council member Joe Gatto (incumbent) Justin TorresAt-Large: AJ DrewCouncil member Carl Voss (incumbent) Benjamin Clarke’s name appears on both the Ward 4 and Mayor’s candidate lists. The City says paperwork was filed by the same individual for both positions and that language on the nomination paperwork that is signed by all candidates states, “I know that I cannot be a candidate for more than one office to be filled at this election, except as otherwise provided by law.” The city says its legal department will now look at the proper steps to proceed forward in this situation.
The race for four city council seats and the title of mayor of Des Moines has brought 19 people out to run.
Thursday was the filing deadline in Des Moines. Mayor Frank Cownie also announced on Thursday that he would not be running for re-election.
There’s a special election in Ward 1. This comes after former councilmember Indira Sheumaker resigned earlier this month.
In addition to a mayoral race and the special election for Ward 1, there are races for Ward 2, Ward 4, and one of the At-Large seats.
Here’s a look at the candidates:
Mayor:
- At-Large council member Connie Boesen
- Benjamin Clarke
- Community activist Denver Foote
- Ward 3 council member Josh Mandelbaum
- Christopher Von Arx
Ward 1:
- Rob Barron
- Chris Coleman
- Kathy Hellstern
- Dennis McCullough
- RJ Miller
- Rose Marie Smith
- Kimberly Strope-Boggus
Ward 2:
- Chelsea Lepley
- City council member Linda Westergaard (incumbent)
Ward 4:
- Jason Benell
- Benjamin Clarke
- City council member Joe Gatto (incumbent)
- Justin Torres
At-Large:
- AJ Drew
- Council member Carl Voss (incumbent)
Benjamin Clarke’s name appears on both the Ward 4 and Mayor’s candidate lists. The City says paperwork was filed by the same individual for both positions and that language on the nomination paperwork that is signed by all candidates states, “I know that I cannot be a candidate for more than one office to be filled at this election, except as otherwise provided by law.”
The city says its legal department will now look at the proper steps to proceed forward in this situation.
