“We did it” cheers Leirion Gaylor Baird, Lincoln’s new mayor-elect

Leirion Gaylor Baird has been elected as Lincoln’s new mayor. 

“We did it,” Gaylor Baird said as she took the podium after results came out. “Do you feel like winners tonight, because you should- you made this possible.”

A declared Democrat, Gaylor Baird received 33,211 votes or 54%, defeating fellow city councilwoman Cyndi Lamm, a Republican, who received 27,722 votes in Tuesday’s election. 

“This isn’t the end of the line,” Lamm said. I’m not going to be mayor so obviously I can’t keep my promises about our tax plan, but I’ll promise you I’ll continue to be a watchdog for the city we all love.”

Gaylor Baird said she would celebrate tonight, and prepare for hard work in the coming days. 

“I want this to be a safe, strong community with a great quality of life. We’re going to build a diverse team that represents the city of Lincoln and we’re going to start working very soon.”

Gaylor Baird will be sworn in to the office in 13 days. 

Gaylor Baird replaces incumbent Chris Beutler, who held the office for the past 12 years. She was elected to the Council in 2013, and previously served as a Lincoln/Lancaster County Planning Commissioner.