Monica Vernon and Brad Hart will face each other in a runoff election for Cedar Rapids mayor next month.
None of the eight candidates got more than 50 percent of the vote Tuesday, which is required to win.
Vernon, a businesswoman and former city council member, led the field with 30 percent of the vote. She says giving out her phone number and having conversations with Cedar Rapids residents has been central to her campaign.
"To me, it’s about having a mayor who will come out to your neighborhood, who will really listen to you, will answer your questions, who will make herself available,” Vernon says.
Hart, a business attorney running for public office for the first time, barely came in second. He edged out city council member Scott Olson by about 60 votes.
Hart says he’s relieved.
"We kind of squeaked into the top two, so I’m excited about the next step," Hart says. "It’s been a long process, lots and lots of support, and I think we’ll build on that support for the runoff."
The runoff election is Dec. 5. The winner will replace Ron Corbett, who is stepping down to run for governor.
