DULUTH – Ashley Grimm won a second term representing west Duluth on the St. Louis County Board of Commissioners early Wednesday, holding off a challenge from Fifth District Councilwoman Janet Kennedy and soundly defeating her by a margin of over of 3,100 votes.

Grimm, a Denfeld resident, previously managed family and work programming for the Damiano Center. She also served as vice chair of the Duluth Human Rights Commission, where she played a key role in passing a

Homeless Bill of Rights.

Grimm credited his campaign team and its positive message for the victory, in large part, as well as “four years that showed real results for people.”

“I think the community has spoken clearly and I really appreciate the trust they have put in me, because I think we have done a lot together over the last four years,” he said.

Some of the accomplishments Grimm was proud of during her first term as 3rd District County Commissioner included

the replacement of a for-profit health care provider in the county jail system with a local nonprofit health care service,

improved mental health services, funding for the Gary-New Duluth Recreation Center and Skatepark, and support for the Lincoln Park Children and Family Collaborative Space. He also advocated for benefits to help homeless veterans during his tenure and successfully lobbied for planning funding for the Valley Youth Center.

Grimm chairs the St. Louis County Public Safety Commission.

While Kennedy fell short in her bid for County Board, she continues to represent Duluth’s westernmost district on the City Council, with her second term set to expire in January 2028. Last year, she became the first Black person to be elected president of the Municipal Council. Kennedy also broke ground by being the first African American to win election to the City Council in 2019.

Kennedy is a retired physical therapist and rehabilitation director. She is also the owner and chief operating officer of Healthy Alliances Matter LLC.

Three other St. Louis County commissioners were also re-elected Tuesday in uncontested elections: Patrick Boyle, representing East Duluth’s 2nd District; Keith Musolf, of Hermantown, representing District 5; and Mike Jugovich, of Chisholm, representing District 7.

This story was updated at 1:32 a.m. Nov. 6 with quotes from Ashley Grimm. It was originally published at 1:15 am on November 6.

Peter Passi covers city and county government for the Duluth News Tribune. He joined the newspaper in April 2000, initially as a business reporter, but has worked in various capacities over the years.