Wu becomes Lexington’s next vice mayor; Brown and Ellinger to serve at-large
Lexington will have a new vice mayor for the first time in eight years.
Dan Wu, a small business owner and political newcomer, finished first in the six-way race with 21% of the vote, according to unofficial results. He will soon lead the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.
Current Vice Mayor Steve Kay, who has served in the role for the past eight years and served four years as an at-large member prior to becoming vice mayor, cannot run for another term.
Two familiar faces will return for a four-year at-large term.
James Brown, who has served on the Urban County Council since 2015 representing the First Council District, came in second with 19% of the vote and will serve in the at-large position.
Chuck Ellinger II, who has served on the Urban County Council since 2018, and previously served in the same role from 2003 to 2014, was third, garnering 18% of the vote.
Wu, who was born in China and later immigrated to Lexington as a child, is believed to be the first Asian American to serve on the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council.
“It was hard work but we had a strong ground game. We knocked on 24,000 doors,” Wu said.
Wu said that he has already met with outgoing council members and will meet with Kay and the five new council members elected Tuesday.
“I know there is a steep learning curve,” Wu said. “But I’m really excited. There is so much potential for how much we can do as a council.”
The at-large race is also historic for another reason — it’s the first time two non-white candidates have won in the city-wide at-large race.
Former Councilman Bill Farmer Jr. came in fourth with 17% of the vote trailed by longtime Councilman Richard Moloney with 15% of the vote. Lillie Miller Johnson, who has run frequently for various city positions, was last with 10%.
The race was close but never contentious among the six candidates, four of whom have served with each other on council. The six were the top vote getters from a field of eight candidates during the May primary.
Crime, affordable housing and the use of technology to fight crime, including Flock Safety Cameras, dominated debates and forums during the general election.
Council members make $35,605 a year. The vice mayor makes $38,895 a year for the part-time position.
This story was originally published November 8, 2022 at 8:41 PM.
