Spears defeats Smith in runoff election to usher in a new era for Madison’s city council

MADISON – Former Madison City Schools Board of Education member Connie Spears was elected to the Madison City Council for the next fours. Spears defeated her oppenent, incumbent Steve Smith, by 184 votes to represent District 2. Out of 1,105 votes cast, she garnered 644 votes (58.28%) to Smith’s 460 (41.63%) in the runoff election Tuesday. Smith has currently been serving as the city council president.

“I am so humbled and happy to have won your votes – thank you, Madison,” Spears stated after the election results were announced. “I can’t wait to get to the work of representing you on our city council.”

Spears’ victory makes her the third new city council member to be elected in the 2020 municipal election. All have been women, which also changes the makeup of the council. With incumbent Maura Wroblewski retaining her position, the seven-member council will consist of more women than men for the first time.

Current school board member and former school board president Ranae Bartlett was elected in August’s general election to represent District 5. She replaces longtime city councilman Tommy Overcash, who decided not to run for reelection.

Karen Denzine also won in the general election to represent District 6. She defeated incumbent Gerald Clark.

The newly elected city council members will begin their terms on Nov. 1.