WILLMAR

—Incumbent Justin Ask maintained the

Willmar City Hall

District 3 seat with 893 votes, edging out challenger Gabriel Nelson, who garnered 681 votes, according to unofficial results reported by the Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.

This will be Ask’s second term on the Willmar City Council, as he was first elected to the position in 2020.

“I’m grateful to the people of Willmar for trusting me again,” Ask told the West Central Tribune after the results were released Tuesday night. “I look forward to working together to make our community a place of welcome, growth and safety for all of our residents.”

Nelson did not appear to run much of a campaign to unseat Ask and did not respond to the West Central Tribune when asked for information or comment about his campaign. He also did not respond to multiple requests from the Willmar Area League of Women Voters to participate in the candidate forum held in early October.

During the forum, Ask said it has been a privilege to serve the community on the Willmar City Council and he has tried to serve the community the best he can.

He noted that over the past four years, the city has made significant progress in improving infrastructure, attracting new businesses, adding affordable housing and expanding access to affordable child care.

“However, in all of those areas and many more, there is still a lot of work to do,” Ask said of seeking re-election. “I believe there is more we can achieve together. “I believe we are better together and I believe that by working together we will continue to build a bright future for Willmar and all who call it home.”

He noted that some of the challenges Willmar still faces include making a decision on city hall and the community center, developing the broadband initiative, the need for more housing, expanding the tax base and promoting economic development while being fiscally responsible. .

“I promise to continue working for that future, to make our city safer, more vibrant, to make sure this is a place where everyone is welcome and feels at home,” Ask said during the forum.