BOISE, Idaho — The (unofficial) results of the 2019 Election are in, but in regards to the City of Boise's mayoral race, residents don't yet have an answer.
Under Boise City code, a runoff election must be held if no candidate gets a majority (50% of the vote plus one).
Since neither Boise City Council President, Lauren McLean or incumbent David Beiter got a majority, a runoff election will be held between on December 3. The winner of the runoff will be elected mayor.
After a 100% response from the precincts, McLean lead the race with 45.7% of the votes. Bieter had 30.3%.
Related: Idaho's Election results coverage 2019
6 On Your Side's Karen Lehr caught up with McLean, just moments after the release of the full precinct response. She stressed the importance of voting in the runoff election.
"This is really important, our city's at a crossroads and we want a new perspective and a fresh sense of urgency to tackle issues of transportation regionally, to build those relationships and alliances we need to make progress on transportation, on affordable housing, then you've got to vote on December 3," McLean said. "I'm feeling really optimistic, it was a good night but we know we have a ton of work ahead and we're ready to do it."
Both candidates will have just under 30 days to campaign. McLean has $126,000 left over for her campaign, and Bieter has $104,000.
"Any campaign is hard work, and regardless of how you start, we're starting fresh. And we know that we have four weeks to deliver on the promise that we've had which is a new generation of leadership, a new style of leadership and a fresh perspective to tackle the issues our city is now facing," McLean said. "Everyone looks forward to the campaigning ending, right? [laughs] But yes we were prepared knowing that this could very well happen and we're ready to jump right into it tomorrow morning."
Bieter was first elected mayor in 2003 and has won re-election three times since then.
Bieter said in a a statement Wednesday afternoon he's planning to spend the next four weeks working to bring the election to more Boiseans.
“The results from last night’s election made one thing clear - the people of Boise need more time and a robust dialogue to determine who their next mayor is. It’s not a surprising result in a field of seven candidates - in fact, I welcome the opportunity to distinguish myself even more with my main competitor, Council Member McLean," The statement read. "Over the next 4 weeks, we will work even harder to bring this election to more Boiseans so they can determine who they trust with the future of our city. On December 3rd, people will cast their ballots again and I have faith, together, we will make Boise the most livable city in the country.”
Related: Boise City Council President, Lauren McLean, announces she will challenge Bieter for Mayor
McLean was appointed to the council back in 2011 by Bieter, and won her re-election in 2015.
This election's mayoral race has been a crowded one. Seven candidates were vying for the office of mayor.
Related: Brent Coles announces he’s running for mayor, years after scandal that rocked City Hall
This is a full breakdown of the election results for the Boise Mayoral Race:
Boise City Mayor (100% Precincts Reporting)
Rebecca W. Arnold--6,863 13.2%
David H. Bieter--15,711 30.3%
Brent Coles--3,804 7.3%
Adriel Martinez--588 1.1%
Lauren McLean--23,669 45.7%
Cortney Nielsen--360 0.7%
Wayne Richey--847 1.6%
