In neck-to-neck race, Gregory ousts incumbent Troll

Nearly 6,500 ballots were casts in the Juneau municipal election on Tuesday. More than 60 people crowded into the assembly chambers to watch as the results trickled in.

According to unofficial results, Norton Gregory won the area-wide seat, beating incumbent Kate Troll by more than 300 votes.

Cheering burst out as results from last outstanding polling place were tabulated.

“Oh my gosh, I’m super excited and also super humbled by the support that I’ve received tonight and that the community of Juneau has shown throughout this election season,” Gregory said. “It’s been a fun six weeks and I’ve learned a lot about our community.”

Gregory was wearing a sticker that was a bit different than others.

“The sticker that I’m wearing says ‘I’m Tlingit and I vote.’ I think that was a great campaign to get started, I hope that the numbers are up for Native voters,” he said. “I want to encourage all Native voters to get back out there again, (for) the upcoming election in November and for every election, really. Their vote is important, it does matter, and it does make a difference.”

Gregory is the housing manager for Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority. He is the first person of color to serve on the Juneau Assembly since 2014.

A large part of his campaign focused on affordable housing. He was critical of his opponent, Kate Troll, for her support of reducing the senior sales tax break. City officials projected it would save the city about $1 million a year.

Incumbent Mary Becker was reelected for a third term on the assembly in a three-way race for District 1.

“I’m happy,” she said, “I’m very thankful that the community decided to put me back on the assembly.”

William Quayle Jr. had the fewest votes, at 244. But Becker was neck and neck with Arnold Liebelt for most of the evening.

“I was watching it and listening to it and thinking, ‘Wow, this is very close,’” Becker said.” But he was a worthy opponent and so it was good.”

Becker won by more than 300 votes.

Beth Weldon ran unopposed for the District 2 seat. Weldon also won the most votes of the night, nearly 5,000.

After absentee and questioned ballots are counted, voter turnout is expected to be about 33 percent — the highest it’s been in several years.

The election results are unofficial. The Canvass Review Board will meet to certify the results next Tuesday, Oct. 11.

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