Molly Rawn Defeats Incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan in Fayetteville Runoff
Fayetteville, AR – In a closely contested runoff election, Molly Rawn has emerged victorious, defeating incumbent Mayor Lioneld Jordan on December 3, 2024. This marks a significant change in leadership for the city, with Rawn set to take office in January.
The Electoral Contest
The mayoral race initially included four candidates: Molly Rawn, Lioneld Jordan, Tom Terminella, and Adam Fire Cat. In the general election on November 5, 2024, Lioneld Jordan led with 46.93% of the vote (16,649 votes), closely followed by Molly Rawn with 36.91% (13,095 votes). The other candidates garnered significantly fewer votes: Tom Terminella with 12.39% (4,394 votes) and Adam Fire Cat with 3.78% (1,340 votes)[1].
Runoff Election Delivers Decision
The runoff between Rawn and Jordan was fiercely contested. According to unofficial results, Molly Rawn secured 51.14% of the vote (5,411 votes), while Lioneld Jordan trailed behind with 48.86% (5,169 votes). This margin was sufficient to determine the winner, as Rawn effectively won by nearly 300 votes.
Rawn's Vision for Fayetteville
Excited about her victory, Rawn expressed gratitude to the people of Fayetteville for their support. “Voters are ready for change,” she stated. “They are ready for a new vision.” Her campaign focused on making housing more accessible and improving partnerships with entities like the University of Arkansas and local non-profits.
Rawn's Background and Experience
Molly Rawn, a native Arkansan, has lived in Fayetteville since 2005. She has an impressive background in local leadership. Since August 2016, she has served as CEO of Experience Fayetteville, overseeing a .8 million budget and managing 19 full-time staff. Her tenure includes organizing significant events like the 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, a feat that speaks to her organizational capabilities.
Jordan's Legacy and Terms
Lioneld Jordan has been an integral part of Fayetteville’s leadership since 2009, serving four terms as mayor. During his tenure, the city has won multiple awards, completed a library expansion project, created a housing assessment plan to meet population growth, adopted a parks master plan, secured a million grant for trails and roads, built three fire stations and a police headquarters, and approved a 6 million bond issue for various infrastructure projects[1].
Rawn's First Term Aims
With her vision for change and improvement firmly in place, Molly Rawn is poised to begin her first term as the new mayor of Fayetteville. Her focus will be on addressing housing affordability, enhancing community partnerships, and continuing the work initiated by Mayor Jordan. With her deep understanding of both the city’s needs and its community, Rawn is ready to lead Fayetteville into a new era of progress and growth.
By taking office in January, Rawn will be at the helm of the city’s government just in time for the first city council meeting on January 7. As she embarks on this new chapter in Fayetteville’s history, the people are eagerly anticipating her plans to make their city a better place for everyone.
1. Election Details:
– Date: December 3, 2024
– Winner: Molly Rawn
– Runner-Up: Lioneld Jordan
– Vote Margin: Rawn won by nearly 300 votes (5,411 – 5,169)
2. New Mayor’s Plans:
– Housing Accessibility: Rawn aims to make housing more affordable.
– Community Partnerships: Enhance partnerships with the University of Arkansas and local non-profits.
– Continuous Improvement: Continuation of initiatives started by Mayor Jordan.
3. Rawn’s Background:
– CEO Experience: CEO of Experience Fayetteville since August 2016.
– Organizational Skills: Led the team organizing the 2022 Walmart UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships.
– Previous Role: Director of Development and Communications at the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville.
The excitement around Molly Rawn’s victory is palpable, as she stirs up new hopes and aspirations for Fayetteville’s residents. As she assumes her role as the city’s new mayor, the community is eager to see how her vision will shape the future of this vibrant and growing city.
