Dubuque, Iowa – November 4, 2025 – In a closely contested race that highlighted local priorities like economic development and infrastructure, incumbent Mayor Brad Cavanagh secured a second term Tuesday night, defeating challenger Jason Davis by a margin of nearly eight percentage points. The victory caps a heated campaign season in this Mississippi River city of about 59,000 residents, where voters also reshaped the City Council and approved key school funding measures.

With all precincts reporting, Cavanagh garnered 8,036 votes, or 53.74% of the total, edging out Davis’s 6,887 votes (46.06%). The race, which advanced from a competitive October primary, drew significant attention as Dubuque grapples with post-pandemic recovery, housing affordability, and flood mitigation efforts along its waterfront.

Voter turnout appeared robust for a municipal election, exceeding primary levels from last month, though exact figures were still being tallied by the Dubuque County Auditor’s Office. Polls closed at 8 p.m., and early reports suggested participation topped 40% of registered voters citywide, buoyed by combined city-school ballots and high-profile school bond questions.

City Council Sees Mixed Results, with Incumbents Holding Key Seats

The City Council elections reflected a blend of continuity and change. In the at-large race, challenger Chris Staver upset incumbent Ric Jones, capturing 7,718 votes (54.01%) to Jones’s 6,522 (45.64%). Staver, a community organizer focused on environmental initiatives, emphasized his campaign’s emphasis on youth engagement and green spaces. “Dubuque’s future is in inclusive decision-making,” she told cheering crowds. “I’m honored to represent every voice at the table.”

Ward-specific contests yielded narrower margins. In Ward 1, Tyson Leyendecker prevailed over Carmen Hernandez with 2,622 votes (54.16%) to 2,215 (45.76%). Leyendecker, who advanced from the primary alongside Hernandez, campaigned on public safety enhancements and small-business support. Ward 3 saw a more decisive outcome, as Danny Sprank dominated Matthew Z. Henick, 1,680 votes (57.67%) to 1,228 (42.16%), with write-ins accounting for a scant 5%. Sprank, a longtime council member, credited his win to “listening to neighbors on everyday issues like roads and recreation.”

These results will install a council with a slight progressive tilt, potentially influencing debates on zoning reforms and budget allocations in the coming year.

School Board and Bond Measure Pass with Solid Support

Voters also weighed in on education, electing three directors to the Dubuque Community School District Board in an at-large contest requiring three selections. Incumbent Nancy Bradley led the field with 11,857 votes (30.57%), followed closely by Mae Hingtgen at 10,761 (27.74%) and Anderson Sainci with 10,731 (27.66%). DeLano D. Cain-Watson, who had competed in the mayoral primary’s council race, placed fourth with 5,046 votes (13.01%). Write-ins totaled 397 (1.02%).

Bradley, a veteran educator, highlighted the board’s recent focus on mental health resources and STEM programs. “Our kids deserve stability and innovation,” she said. “We’ll build on these results to ensure every student thrives.”

In a pivotal public measure, Public Measure HB – a bond proposal for school facility upgrades, technology enhancements, and security improvements failed – by a 56.84% to 43.16% margin. Yes votes totaled 11,569, outpacing the 8,784 no votes. Proponents argued the $XX million (exact figure pending final certification) investment addresses aging infrastructure without raising taxes, drawing broad bipartisan support from parent groups and chamber officials.

Opponents, including some fiscal watchdogs, expressed concerns over long-term debt but acknowledged the measure’s passage as a community endorsement of educational priorities.

Broader Context: A Snapshot of Iowa’s Municipal Momentum

Tuesday’s elections were part of Iowa’s consolidated city-school cycle, with similar races unfolding across the state. In Dubuque County, preliminary data from the Auditor’s Office indicated smooth operations at 19 precincts, with no major incidents reported despite brisk early voting that began October 20. Statewide, officials anticipated higher-than-average turnout for off-year balloting, driven by school bonds and council shake-ups in urban centers like Des Moines and Iowa City.

As results are certified over the next two weeks, attention turns to transition planning. Cavanagh’s administration, which took office in 2022 amid economic rebound efforts, now faces a newly configured council amid projections of modest growth in manufacturing and tourism. For residents, the outcomes signal a mandate for balanced progress in this historic Iowa hub.

Unofficial tallies are available at elections.dubuquecountyiowa.gov, with final certification expected by November 18. For more on local races, visit the city’s elections portal at cityofdubuque.org/elections.