Solon residents will start 2026 with three new members of the city council after calling for a change in the 2025 city/school election Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Incumbents Lauren Whitehead and Cole Gabriel faced challengers Greg Morris, Tim Gordon, and Matt Macke in a three-seat contest (Councilman Steve Duncan did not seek reelection). Morris was the biggest winner of the night garnering 444 votes followed by Macke (372) and Gordon (361). Whitehead captured 260 votes with 235 for Gabriel. There were 17 write-in votes and 1,689 votes cast in total.
Reactions from the candidates
Morris said, “I’m very happy to be elected to the city council. I certainly look forward to learning about how the council works. I know the budget and property taxes are on people’s minds all the time. With that said making sure we (the council) manages each dollar appropriately. Understanding the new water treatment plant project as well as listening to all to help continue to make Solon a better place each day.” In addition, Morris said he would work with local businesses, “…to see what if anything we can do to help them,” and would work with the school district to finalize a new 28E agreement.
Gabriel was reflective and appreciative in his comments to the Economist saying, “It has been an honor to serve as your Solon City Councilor for the last four years. During my term I always voted and acted in a manner that I believed put the best interest for all residents of Solon first, educated myself on the issues the city faced, and strived to treat everyone with respect and fairness. Solon’s residents voted for a change and, even though I am disappointed in the results, I can respect that choice. I believe Solon has a bright future ahead of it.”
Gabriel extended congratulations to Morris, Macke, and Gordon adding, “I wish them the best of luck in navigating Solon’s complex issues and striving to make this town we all love better. To those who voted for me, and supported me throughout my term, you have my deepest gratitude and sincerest thanks.”
Whitehead was introspective and gracious in her submitted comments, acknowledging the disappointment in the vote tally but accepting the voters’ decisions saying, “…residents want to go a different direction, and I can respect that without calling myself into question.”
Looking back on her time on the council, she said, “I’ve been an excellent leader and listener. I ran a campaign based on goals not gossip. It’s been a privilege to serve for eight years, I’m proud of what I have accomplished, and I can walk away head held high. I wish the new councilors luck navigating major changes in our city during a tumultuous time. My hope is they will be engaged and informed, and most of all that they respond to citizen concerns with open mindedness and respect regardless of difference. I’ll be available as a sounding board any time to support the transition in leadership. I especially want to thank the young people who cast their first votes for me. That’s something I’ll never forget.”
No change in school board
Incumbents Dan Coons, Megan Laing, Cassie Rochholz, and Tim Brown ran unopposed with 660 votes for Coons, 607 for Laing, 588 for Rochholz, and 570 for Brown.
The board will hold an organizational meeting with swearing in of the members Thursday, Nov. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the district’s administrative offices followed by the regular November meeting.
Post-election audit confirms accuracy of election results
The Johnson County Auditor’s Office reported it’s post-election audit confirmed the accuracy of the election night results.
In a press release, the Auditor’s Office stated the Iowa Secretary of State randomly selects one precinct in each county for a manual audit following each election. This year, Johnson County audited the Coralville 6 precinct, comparing the hand-counted results to the official machine tabulation. The audit results matched exactly, with no discrepancy found.
“These audits are an important part of maintaining public confidence in our elections, and we are pleased this one once again confirmed the accuracy of our process,” said County Auditor Julie Persons. “I am proud of the professionalism and dedication of our election staff and poll workers.”
