STREET. CLOUD – For the first time in 20 years, St. Cloud will have a new mayor, and it will be City Council member Jake Anderson.

Anderson edged out Mike Conway in voting that ended on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 5, according to preliminary election results.

Minnesota Secretary of State’s Office.

Unofficial totals as of 11:30 pm Tuesday night:

• Anderson: 51.62%
• Conway: 47.50%

Contributed

“To be honest, I’m a little numb about the results (with) everything else going on nationally, and there’s a lot going on,” Anderson said in a phone call with St. Cloud LIVE after the results were in. “And getting to the top wasn’t something I was necessarily predicting.”

Mayor-elect Anderson will replace Dave Kleis, who has been the city’s mayor since 2005. He served five terms before

announcing his retirement in April 2024.

In the run-up to the election, Anderson, 45,

focused on

public safety, infrastructure and improving the quality of life for St. Cloud residents.

Anderson said his fellow councilman and mayoral opponent, Conway, conceded in the race about an hour and a half before the results were official.

“I said, ‘Hey, let’s work together, let’s get on the right path,'” Anderson said. “We ran a very cordial campaign; I think we both want what’s best for the city of St. Cloud and I look forward to working with him on the council.”

With the victory, Anderson will vacate his District 3 seat, which can be filled in three ways: a council-approved appointment, a mayoral appointment or a special election.

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During his campaign, Conway, 58,

highlighted the importance

of safe streets, the maintenance of infrastructure and the growth and development of business opportunities.

While admitting he was disappointed by the general election loss, Conway said he would continue as District 4 representative through 2026.

With the St. Cloud City Council set for a makeover with four new members joining in January, Conway said he is hopeful for the future.

“We have some interesting opportunities and challenges in the coming years. I think St. Cloud will move forward and things will progress in a positive way,” Conway said Tuesday night. “I’m excited about the new blood coming to the council and us being able to move the city in a positive direction.”

Tami Calhoun, Mark Johnson and Scott Brodeen won at-large seats on the City Council Tuesday night.

The election generated a lot of public interest, and the candidates participated in many forums throughout St. Cloud, including a debate in October sponsored by

St. Cloud LIVE and KVSC Radio.

The mayor’s position is considered the chief executive of the city and his duties include appointing staff, enforcing ordinances, attending meetings, advising council members on adopting or rejecting city actions, and more.

Anderson’s mayoral term will begin in January 2025 and expire in 2029.

The mayor of St. Cloud receives a $50,000 stipend.

city ​​code

It also dictates that the mayor’s position get a $420 monthly car allowance and medical, dental and life insurance options.

Anderson will be sworn in as mayor during the first St. Cloud City Council meeting in January. The St. Cloud City Council typically meets on the second and fourth Monday of each month at City Hall, 1201 Seventh St. S in St. Cloud.

Trent Abrego is a business reporter for St. Cloud LIVE and can be reached at [email protected].