| Elections in Ohio |
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The 1997 Toledo, Ohio mayoral election took place on November 4, 1997. Incumbent Mayor Carty Finkbeiner ran for re-election to a second term.[1] He was challenged by four opponents, including Republican businessman Nick Wichowski and neighborhood development specialist Alan Cox. In the primary, Finkbeiner placed first by a wide margin, winning 47 percent of the vote. Wichowski won 27 percent and advanced to the general election against Finkbeiner.[2]
Despite Finkbeiner's popularity and the "robust local economy," the city's financial difficulties ultimately resulted in a close race.[3] Finkbeiner narrowly defeated Wichowski to win re-election, receiving 51 percent of the vote to Wichowski's 49 percent.[4]
Primary election
Candidates
- Carty Finkbeiner, incumbent Mayor (Democratic)[1]
- Nick Wichowski, businessman (Republican)[5]
- Alan Cox, neighborhood development specialist (independent)[6]
- Dave Domanski, auto worker (Libertarian)[7]
- Edward Emery, sociologist (Republican)[7]
Declined
- Donna Owens, former Mayor (Republican)[5]
- Sally Perz, State Representative (Republican)[5]
- Gene Zmuda, City Councilman[5]
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Carty Finkbeiner (inc.) | 15,008 | 47.32% | |
| Nonpartisan | Nick Wichowski | 8,526 | 26.88% | |
| Nonpartisan | Alan Cox | 5,374 | 16.94% | |
| Nonpartisan | Dave Domanski | 1,648 | 5.20% | |
| Nonpartisan | Edward Emery | 1,163 | 3.67% | |
| Total votes | 31,719 | 100.00% | ||
General election
Results
| Party | Candidate | Votes | % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nonpartisan | Carty Finkbeiner (inc.) | 46,738 | 50.96% | |
| Nonpartisan | Nick Wichowski | 44,973 | 49.04% | |
| Write-in | 3 | 0.00% | ||
| Total votes | 91,714 | 100.00% | ||
References
- 1 2 Weiss, Mitch (February 4, 1997). "Finkbeiner wants second term as mayor of Toledo". The News-Messenger. Fremont, Ohio. p. A8. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Wenzel, Fritz (September 11, 1997). "Mayor, challenger open campaign". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. A17. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Wenzel, Fritz; Cohan, Jeffrey (November 4, 1997). "Mayoral hopefuls race down to wire". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. A1. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Cohan, Jeffrey; Wenzel, Fritz (November 5, 1997). "Toledo keeps Carty: Finkbeiner narrowly wins re-election as mayor". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. A1. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 3 4 Wenzel, Fritz (July 8, 1997). "2 challenge Finkbeiner in mayoral race". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. 1. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ Wenzel, Fritz (July 10, 1997). "Deadline to file for city races is today". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. A21. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- 1 2 Wenzel, Fritz (July 13, 1997). "At-large seats a challenge for voters". The Blade. Toledo, Ohio. p. A12. Retrieved August 1, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
- ↑ "SEPTEMBER 9, 1997 MUNICIPAL PRIMARY ELECTION". Lucas County Board of Elections. October 22, 1997. Retrieved July 26, 2025.
- ↑ "NOVEMBER 4, 1997 MUNICIPAL GENERAL ELECTION". Lucas County Board of Elections. January 27, 1998. Retrieved July 26, 2025.