Hailey Lewis Celebrates Victory as Moscow’s New Mayor

Hailey Lewis has emerged victorious in the recent mayoral election, becoming the new leader of Moscow. The lifelong resident of the city defeated her opponent, Alex Simon, and will take office in January 2024, succeeding retiring mayor Art Bettge.

“I’m just so over the moon,” Lewis expressed on Wednesday, reflecting her joy and gratitude for the opportunity to serve her community. She emphasized her appreciation for the city that has offered her numerous opportunities throughout her life and is eager to give back through public service.

Lewis’s connection to Moscow runs deep. She attended Lena Whitmore Elementary School, Moscow Junior High School, and served as Associated Student Body president at Moscow High School. Currently employed at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories, she has been an active member of the Moscow City Council since 2021.

Three new city councilors will join Lewis: Evan Holmes, Sage McCetich, and Scott Sumner, who also won their elections on Tuesday. Incumbent Gina Taruscio placed fourth in the race. Lewis has expressed confidence in the city’s ability to onboard new council members, noting that all three incoming councilors have prior experience serving on Moscow citizen commissions.

Community Engagement and High Voter Turnout

Lewis aims to cultivate a “cohesive team rowing in the same direction” to achieve the city’s goals. She plans to utilize her new role to educate the public about Moscow’s processes and the challenges it faces.

The recent election saw a notable level of community engagement, with Latah County Auditor Julie Fry reporting a voter turnout of 42%. This figure significantly exceeds the 27% turnout in the previous off-year election in 2023. “Voters were engaged,” Fry stated, highlighting the early voting participation of 2,289 individuals.

Fry also mentioned that her office would reach out to the Idaho Secretary of State’s Office regarding two closely contested races that may necessitate a recount. In one instance, the Juliaetta City Council election featured a razor-thin margin, with Richard Tackett receiving 76 votes and Amanda Fletcher just one vote behind with 75. Rick Lawless led that race with 81 votes, with two council seats available.

In another tight race for the Moscow Cemetery District, Cindy Tubb is currently leading in Zone 1 with 2,394 votes, while Bethanne Broux trails closely behind with 2,355 votes.

As Lewis prepares to take the helm, her leadership is expected to foster community involvement and transparency within the local government. Her commitment to serving Moscow reflects a dedication to a city that has shaped her life and career.