Communication Builds Our Community

Hilligoss Wins Mayoral Race, Krueger Elected to City Commission

Election Generates Record Turnout of more than 2,500 Voters

The unofficial vote tabulation is completed and It is apparent that Jack Hilligoss and Danny Kreuger will fill the mayoral post and that of city commissioner.

With the votes tabulated, Jack Hilligoss has apparently won the three-way race for mayor, with almost 44% of ballots cast. Under the Lake Wales City Charter there are no run-offs in city elections, so a plurality is sufficient for victory.

In the City Commission race, Daniel Krueger defeated James Loydd by less than 100 votes.

The newly-elected officials will be sworn in at the first meeting of the city commission in May. Hilligoss will serve a three-year term while Krueger will complete the last two years of the district 4 seat which has been filled by Hilligoss since his appointment last September.

Seat 4 was originally left vacant after Commissioner Kris Fitzgerald was suspended by Governor Ron DeSantis in June, shortly after her election. Fitzgerald was charged after allegedly displaying a firearm to a minor accompanied by a threat. That matter has yet to be adjudicated.

Unofficial vote tallies as reported by the Supervisor of Elections:

Lake Wales Mayor:

Curtis Gibson 24.13% 621

Jack Hilligoss 43.75% 1,126

Tammy James 32.13% 827

2,574

City Commission:

Daniel Krueger 51.88% 1,314

James Loydd 48.12% 1,219

Total 2,533

 
 

Reader Comments(1)

Nonanita writes:

Thank you for your continued coverage of the Lake Wales City elections. I found it balanced and informative. I hope every eligible citizen of the city votes today for the progressive leadership we will need in Lake Wales to meet the future challenges and growth of this fine city.