Prelim Vote Ends Kraft’s Mayoral Bid: Top 2 Advance

The city’s much-anticipated mayoral prelim vote has concluded, setting the stage for a dramatic general election showdown this November. After a hard-fought campaign, the results have narrowed the field from three candidates to two, with incumbent Mayor Evelyn Reynolds and city planner Maria Soto advancing. The outcome officially ends the mayoral bid of longtime City Councilman David Kraft, who finished in third place.

This preliminary election saw a higher-than-expected turnout, signaling a deeply engaged electorate eager for change and debate on the city’s future. With the initial phase now over, the focus shifts to the two remaining contenders and their contrasting visions for leadership.

The Final Tally: A Look at the Prelim Vote Results

City election officials released the certified results late Tuesday evening after all precincts reported. The prelim vote count confirmed what many late-stage polls had suggested: a tight race for the top two spots. The final results are as follows:

• Mayor Evelyn Reynolds (Incumbent): 41% (38,901 votes)
• Maria Soto (Challenger): 35% (33,215 votes)
• Councilman David Kraft: 24% (22,780 votes)

Mayor Reynolds secured a comfortable first-place finish, leveraging her incumbency and a platform focused on economic stability and her administration’s past successes. Her campaign emphasized continuity and experienced leadership as the city navigates post-pandemic recovery efforts. Reynolds’ performance in the prelim vote solidifies her position as a formidable front-runner heading into the general election.

Maria Soto’s second-place finish represents a significant victory for the first-time mayoral candidate. Her grassroots campaign, which centered on housing affordability, public transit reform, and community-led development, resonated strongly with a diverse coalition of voters. Her ability to mobilize a strong base of support has now proven she is a serious contender for the city’s top job.

Kraft Concedes in Graceful Exit

Just before 10 PM, Councilman David Kraft took the stage at his campaign headquarters to address his supporters and formally concede the race. Despite the disappointing outcome, Kraft remained positive, thanking his team and the thousands of residents who supported his vision for the city.

“While this is not the result we worked so tirelessly for, the voice of the voters is clear,” Kraft stated. “I have called both Mayor Reynolds and Ms. Soto to congratulate them on advancing from this competitive prelim vote. It was a hard-fought campaign, and I am proud of the important issues we brought to the forefront of the conversation.”

Kraft, who has served on the City Council for over a decade, ran on a platform of fiscal responsibility and a “back-to-basics” approach to city services. Though his campaign has ended, he pledged to continue working for the betterment of the city from his council seat. He did not issue an endorsement for either of the remaining candidates, stating he would “give the voters time to hear directly from the finalists” before making any further decisions.

Political analysts suggest that Kraft’s 24% of the vote will be critical in the general election. Both the Reynolds and Soto campaigns will now be actively courting his supporters, whose votes could ultimately decide the outcome in November.

Meet the Finalists: Reynolds and Soto

With the prelim vote officially in the books, voters are left with two distinct choices for mayor.

Mayor Evelyn Reynolds, 58, is seeking her second term. A former prosecutor, she has built a reputation as a pragmatic and steady leader. Her supporters point to a declining unemployment rate and several successful downtown revitalization projects as key achievements of her first term. Her campaign message is simple: “Proven leadership for a stronger city.” Critics, however, argue her administration has not done enough to address the rising cost of living and has favored corporate interests over neighborhood needs.

Maria Soto, 42, is a city planner and community organizer who has never held elected office. She is running as an agent of change, arguing that City Hall has become disconnected from the everyday struggles of its residents. Her detailed plans for rent stabilization, expanding green spaces, and creating a more robust and reliable bus system have energized younger voters and working-class families. Her campaign slogan, “A City for All of Us,” directly challenges the status quo. Opponents question her lack of executive experience and whether her ambitious plans are financially viable.

The stage is now set for a classic political battle: the experienced incumbent versus the passionate outsider. The coming weeks will see both candidates working to consolidate their base and win over the undecided voters who will determine the city’s next leader.

What’s Next on the Road to November?

The conclusion of the prelim vote marks the beginning of a new, more intense phase of the campaign season. Both candidates are expected to take a brief pause before ramping up their operations for the general election on November 4th.

Key dates to watch include the first official mayoral debate, scheduled for October 5th, which will be the first time Reynolds and Soto face each other one-on-one. A series of town halls and community forums are also expected to be announced shortly. The final day for voter registration is October 20th.

The central themes of the race will now sharpen. Expect to see heated debates over economic policy, public safety, and the fundamental direction of the city. Mayor Reynolds will likely paint Soto as a risky, inexperienced choice, while Soto will continue to portray Reynolds as a protector of an unsustainable and inequitable status quo.

For more detailed information on upcoming debates and polling locations, voters are encouraged to visit the official City Board of Elections website. For ongoing coverage and analysis of the mayoral race, stay tuned to our City Politics section.