Record Turnout in Hudson as Voters Deliver Clear Message in Local Election

By Danielle McCulley

Voter turnout in Hudson reached unprecedented levels during Tuesday’s city and school election, marking the highest participation in a local-only election in the city’s history.  

A total of 671 ballots were cast in the mayoral race, compared to approximately 217 in the last city election and never more than 500 in recorded history.  

Mayor’s Race  

• Hector Baldiviezo — 560 votes (83.46%)  

• Gail Bunz (incumbent) — 107 votes (15.95%)  

• Write-ins — 4 votes (0.60%)  

Total ballots cast: 671  

Bunz has served as mayor since January 1, 2024. Despite the loss, many residents have acknowledged her commitment and years of service to the community.  

City Council At-Large (Vote for up to 2)  

A total of 1,195 votes were cast in the council race. Because voters could select two candidates, vote totals do not represent individual voter turnout.  

• Marcus Bowman — 598 (50.04%)  

• Steven Kramer — 466 (39.00%)  

• Samra Jensen Olofson — 124 (10.38%)  

• Write-ins — 7 (0.59%)  

Bowman and Kramer were elected to the two available seats previously held by Kate Wyatt and Lori Seawall, who did not seek re-election.  

Hudson School Board (At-Large, Vote for 3)  

• Scott A. Beenken — 553 (34.54%)  

• Shannon Ingamells — 537 (33.54%)  

• Jared Seliger — 481 (30.04%)  

• Write-ins — 30 (1.87%)  

Total votes cast: 1,601  

High Community Participation  

Hudson’s population is approximately 2,546. With 671 voting in the mayoral race, roughly 26% of the city’s entire population cast a ballot — an unusually strong turnout for a municipal-only election with no state or federal races.  

How Hudson Compares:  

• Hudson (pop. -2,546) — 671 mayoral votes  

• Evansdale (pop. -4,561) — 606 mayoral votes 

• Elk Run Heights (pop. -1,069) — 252 mayoral votes  

Per capita, Hudson had one of the highest participation rates in Black Hawk County. 

(Editor’s Note: This article refers to voter turnout in the 2025 combined City/School Election. In 2003, city elections were held separately from school board elections, which makes total vote comparisons between the two years structurally different.

Publisher's Note: This article will continue to be updated to reflect accurate results, data and information as it becomes available. Last updated at 10AM on 11.7.2025)