Four Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council district seats turned over Tuesday night.
Here's what to know about the outcome of contested races, based on unofficial returns.
DISTRICT 3 - VAN METER
In District 3, entrepreneur and community organizer Griffin Van Meter beat attorney and former Fayette County Judge Executive Jon Larson for the held by Tom Eblen, who was appointed to the position in February and did not run.
Van Meter won with 70% percent of the vote, netting 3,886 votes to Larson’s 1,704.
Responding to WEKU, Van Meter said he would focus on investing in neighborhoods and parks, and work to improve Lexington’s roads and trails.
DISTRICT 4 - MONARREZ
In District 4, former council member Brenda Monarrez beat incumbent Emma Curtis in a rematch from the 2024 race.
Monarrez secured 53% percent of the vote, with 3,657 to Curtis’ 3,221.
According to CivicLex’s voter guide, Monarrez said she’s focused on improving public safety, improving traffic infrastructure and economic development.
Monarrez regains her council seat after losing it two years ago after controversy. In August 2024, fellow council member Denise Gray accused Monarrez of sexually assaulting her, which Monarrez has denied.
A Fayette County judge granted a three-year restraining order keeping Monarrez from contacting Gray and forcing Monarrez to attend council meetings virtually. The order has since been dismissed.
DISTRICT 6 - BRYSON
In District 6, Tina Bryson, communications director for Christian Appalachian Project, beat Tyler Pyles, a manufacturer’s representative for BDA, a consulting agency.
Bryson secured 57% percent of the vote, or 4,045 votes, for a seat currently occupied by Lisa Higgins-Hord, who was appointed last year and also opted not to run. Pyles received 3,010 votes.
According to CivicLex’s voter guide, Bryson said she’ll focus on managing Lexington’s growth and infrastructure, as well as protecting neighborhoods.
DISTRICT 8 - BEASLEY
In District 8, incumbent, pharmacy tech and labor leader Amy Beasley beat challenger Tray Hughes, an e-commerce business owner.
Beasley, who was elected to council in 2024, secured 4,263 votes, or 71% percent of the vote. Hughes received 1,703 votes in comparison.
According to CivicLex’s voter guide, Beasley’s main priorities as council member are addressing food insecurity, gun violence and jobs.
DISTRICT 9 - BAXTER
In District 9, incumbent and realtor Whitney Elliott Baxter beat challenger Matt Miniard, a real estate appraiser and former conservation board member.
Baxter, who was elected to council in 2020, secured 77% percent of the vote, or 6,932 votes. Miniard received 2,103 votes in comparison.
According to CivicLex’s voter guide, Beasley’s main priorities as council member are addressing food insecurity, gun violence and jobs.
Her opponent, Miniard, has been involved in multiple legal battles. In February, he was arrested and charged with assault. In 2023, he was removed from the Fayette County Conservation District Board for not signing his oath of office and allegedly threatening another board member.
DISTRICT 11 - VOGL
In District 11, community health and social worker Cassandra Vogl beat former council member and former public works commissioner Richard Moloney with 55% of the vote, securing 2,657 votes. She’ll replace Jennifer Reynolds, who opted not to run for re-election.
According to CivicLex’s voter guide, Vogl’s priorities include corridor safety, balancing farmland with affordable housing and advocating for a maintenance manual for how the city cares for its green infrastructure.
Her opponent, Moloney, has previously served seven terms as District 11’s council member, plus two terms as an at-large council member.
UNCONTESTED RACES
Along with those races, six candidates for council ran uncontested. Incumbents include District 1’s Tyler Morton, District 2’s Shayla Lynch, District 7’s Joseph Hale and District 12’s Hil Boone.
New faces on council include District 5’s Stephenie Hoelscher and District 10’s Chris Woodall.
