Unofficial Ames City Council election results show that Chuck Jons and Victoria Szopinski will face off in a runoff election in December for the 4th Ward council seat. The polls show that candidate Frank Jeffrey took in approximately 15.37 percent of the total votes, while Jons took 42.43 percent and Szopinski 41.87 percent. Jami Larson and Matthew Goodman both ran unopposed and won their respective wards. 

If no candidate wins by more than 50 percent plus one vote of the total votes cast, the top two candidates must have a runoff election.

The Story County Auditor’s office released information regarding runoff elections stating that, “The two candidates with the highest number of votes cast will proceed to the ballot for the runoff election, which will be held Tuesday, Dec. 6. Chuck Jons and Victoria Szopinski will proceed.”

Jons responded to the results by saying, “I’m not surprised that it’s going to be a runoff. I think Frank ran a great race, he had some issues that I support and certainly think we need to look further into. The race between the three of us has been very admirable. I think our continued race in the next four weeks will remain the same. It’s been wonderful to meet people.”

Szopinski’s reaction was similar in that she has enjoyed the race so far and looks forward to more campaigning.

“I’m excited by the results and I think it said a lot for all the people supporting me. It was a grass-roots movement and people felt that I would bring something new to the council,” she said. “For the next four weeks I’m going to go out and meet as many more people as I can.”

Campaigning will continue for both Szopinski and Jons in the weeks leading up to the runoff in December.