Hailey Lewis Elected as New Mayor of Moscow, Promises Community Engagement

The city of Moscow has elected a new mayor, with Hailey Lewis emerging victorious in the local elections held on November 7, 2023. Lewis, a lifelong resident of Moscow, defeated incumbent candidate Alex Simon and will succeed retiring mayor Art Bettge when she assumes office in January.

Celebrating her victory, Lewis expressed her gratitude for the community that has shaped her life. “I’m just so over the moon,” she stated in an interview following her win. She emphasized her commitment to public service, highlighting how the city has provided her with numerous opportunities. “Moscow believed in me the same way that I believe in Moscow,” she added.

Lewis has deep roots in the community, having attended local schools including Lena Whitmore Elementary School and Moscow Junior High School. She also served as the Associated Student Body president at Moscow High School. Currently employed at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, Lewis has been on the Moscow City Council since 2021, where she has gained valuable experience that she intends to bring to her new role.

New Councilors and Voter Engagement

Joining Lewis in her efforts to lead the city are three newly elected city councilors: Evan Holmes, Sage McCetich, and Scott Sumner. Their election results come amid a notable increase in voter engagement, with 42% of eligible voters participating in this nonpresidential election. This figure surpassed the 27% turnout recorded during the last “off-year” election in 2023, as noted by Latah County Auditor Julie Fry.

Fry remarked on the heightened civic involvement, stating, “Voters were engaged.” She pointed out the significant number of early voters, totaling 2,289, which indicated expectations of increased participation.

Lewis highlighted the importance of collaboration within the new council, expressing her desire to foster a “cohesive team rowing in the same direction” towards achieving the city’s goals. All three of her fellow councilors have experience through their previous service on Moscow citizen commissions.

Close Races and Community Involvement

In addition to the mayoral election, several other races in the region were closely contested. Fry indicated that she would contact the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office regarding two tight races that may necessitate a recount. In one instance, the Juliaetta City Council election featured candidates Richard Tackett and Amanda Fletcher, who were separated by just one vote, with Tackett securing 76 votes compared to Fletcher’s 75.

The city council race in Juliaetta has two available seats, with Rick Lawless leading with 81 votes. Additionally, the Moscow Cemetery District race was competitive, with Cindy Tubb currently in the lead with 2,394 votes, followed closely by Bethanne Broux with 2,355 votes.

In her acceptance speech, Lewis expressed appreciation for the community’s trust and engagement in the electoral process. She aims to utilize her position to educate the public about city operations and the challenges facing Moscow.

As Lewis prepares to take on her new responsibilities, the city looks forward to her leadership and vision for Moscow’s future.