2022 Bellevue, Nebraska mayoral election
| Nominee | Rusty Hike | Thomas Burns |
|---|---|---|
| Popular vote | 9,921 | 8,076 |
| Percentage | 55.16% | 44.69% |
Hike:
Burns:
Tie:
No Votes
Rusty Hike
Rusty Hike
The 2022 Bellevue, Nebraska mayoral election took place on November 8, 2022. Incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike won re-election to a second term over City Councilman Thomas Burns with 55% of the vote.
Primary election
[edit ]Candidates
[edit ]- Rusty Hike, incumbent Mayor
- Thomas Burns, City Councilman
- Otmar "Buz" Stephens, Marine Corps veteran
Campaign
[edit ]Incumbent Mayor Rusty Hike, a Republican, ran for re-election, citing his leadership during the 2019 floods and the COVID-19 pandemic and the economic development taking place in the area. Hike pointed to the "growth going on down south around the Highway 34/75 corridor" and "development going in Old Towne Bellevue."FN1 His main opponent, City Councilman Thomas Burns, a Democrat, argued that Hike's development plans were not "transparent" and that city leadership "need[s] to take a holistic approach and focus on all parts of our city."[1] He argued that the city needed to be more walkable and needed to update its infrastructure, including the library building.[2] Marine Corps veteran Buz Stephens argued that the city's population growth was mostly attributed to annexation and that the "core" of the city was "very weak."[1]
At the primary election, Hike placed first by a wide margin, winning 63% of the vote to Burns's 31% and Stephen's 5%. Hike and Burns advanced to the general election.
Results
[edit ]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Rusty Hike (inc.) | 5,480 | 63.47% | |
| Nonpartisan | Thomas Burns | 2,688 | 31.13% | |
| Nonpartisan | O.E. Buz Stephens | 431 | 4.99% | |
| Write-in | 35 | 0.41% | ||
| Total votes | 8,634 | 100.00% | ||
General election
[edit ]In the general election, Hike and Burns faced off again, but the result was closer, with Hike ultimately winning re-election with 55% of the vote.[4]
Results
[edit ]| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Rusty Hike (inc.) | 9,921 | 55.16% | |
| Nonpartisan | Thomas Burns | 8,076 | 44.69% | |
| Write-in | 94 | 0.52% | ||
| Total votes | 18,091 | 100.00% | ||
References
[edit ]- ^ a b Williamson, Zach (May 9, 2022). "Three candidates vying to lead the City of Bellevue". KMTV-TV News. Omaha, Nebraska. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Bellevue Mayor Rusty Hike hopes to keep his seat, opponents looking to bring change". KETV News. Omaha, Nebraska. May 6, 2022. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "Primary Election, May 10, 2022: Bellevue Mayor". Sarpy County Election Commissioner. May 27, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2025.
- ^ Branting, Adam (November 15, 2022). "Hike overcomes challenge to remain Bellevue mayor". Omaha World-Herald . Omaha, Nebraska. Retrieved February 20, 2025.
- ^ "General Election November 8, 2022: Bellevue Mayor". Sarpy County Election Commissioner. November 21, 2022. Retrieved February 19, 2025.