Copyright Salt Lake Tribune
Note to readers •The Salt Lake Tribune is making this story free to all. St. George • After losing to St. George Mayor Michele Randall twice over the past five years, the third time proved to be the charm for challenger Jimmie Hughes. With unofficial returns released Wednesday night showing Hughes, the mayor pro tem on St. George’s City Council, topping the incumbent by an insurmountable 12,298 (56%) votes to 9,820 (44%), Randall conceded to her longtime political rival. “It’s been an absolute honor and privilege serving as mayor of St. George for the last five years,” Randall said. “I love this city and the people in it. I’m especially grateful for the relationships and lifelong friendships I have made while serving in city government … I wish the city well.” Hughes said he was overwhelmed by his victory, especially after losing previous head-to-head matchups. In January 2021, the council picked Randall over him to replace Mayor Jon Pike, who left office early to head the Utah Insurance Department. She then beat her rival in November of that year in the general election. In the August primary, Randall topped Hughes yet again, carrying 41% of the vote to the challenger’s 37%. “I’m super humbled by all the votes people cast for me and the confidence and trust they have placed in me,” the mayor-elect said. “I take that responsibility seriously.” Hughes characterized his victory as a win for the city, no matter whom residents supported in the mayoral contest. “This campaign hasn’t been just about me,” he added. “It’s about all of us and our common love for our community. I’m super excited to be able to spend some of my time serving the community.” During the campaign, Hughes promised to show up at city functions and put in the work, a jab at the incumbent whom he criticized for allegedly missing too many meetings for health and other reasons. Randall, who overcame breast cancer and was able to go off the chemotherapy pills that weakened her immune system a year ago, disputed Hughes’ assertion. She, in turn, questioned if her opponent, who owns a mortuary business and runs a cattle ranch on the Arizona Strip, would have the bandwidth to corral the competing demands on his time to tend to mayoral duties. Despite the rancor between the two, Hughes extended an olive branch to his erstwhile political nemesis after being declared the victor. “The mayor has given a lot of time and effort over the last several years,” he said, “and I appreciate her service to the community.” Asked about her future plans, Randall was adamant they wouldn’t involve another run for office. “There’s life after politics, that’s for certain,” she said. “I’m looking forward to a more stress-free life.” For his part, Hughes said he will focus on maintaining conservative principles, especially holding the line on taxes. “We are a conservative community, and conservative principles win,” he said. “More than the weather or the scenery, that’s what makes St. George great. It’s the heritage we have here and the people who live here.” In the race for two City Council seats, one-term incumbents Natalie Larsen and Michelle Tanner emerged as the winners, earning 30% and 29% of the vote, respectively, according to the latest returns. Jami Leavitt, with 22%, and Greg Aldred, with 19% of the vote, lost their council bids.
