Spring 2023 election results: Racine alder races: Land retains seat, Kelly comes out ahead of Taft

RACINE — Voters in Racine’s aldermanic districts 11 and 13 voted to keep incumbent Mary Land but to give political newcomer Renee Kelly a chance on the Common Council, respectively.

Unofficial results from Racine County Clerk Wendy Christensen posted the results with 100% of precincts reporting.

In District 11, Land came out ahead of challenger Michael Hansen, 482 to 375. She won 46% of the 1,038 votes cast while Hansen garnered 36%. Vote totals list 15 write-ins as well.

Land said she appreciated Hansen stepping up to run for a seat and that she’s grateful to her constituents for continuing to trust her.

“I am very grateful to the people of the 11th District for trusting me to represent them on the Racine City Council.  I am very grateful to all of the people who helped me and encouraged me during this campaign.  I couldn’t have done it without you,” she wrote in an email to Racine County Eye.

Hansen said he plans to stay involved.

“I will still be out here holding the alderman and mayor accountable (for) how they run this city, and I will be engaged in my community,” he wrote in an email to Racine County Eye. “I plan on running again (and will) make my decision in a few months. I was really happy with the results and wwith the numbers I got for a first time running.”

District 13 voters chose Kelly over incumbent Natalia Taft, 533 votes to 504, or 49% to 46%. At least four ballots included write-in candidates.

Racine County Eye has reached out to all the candidates for comment and will update this story when we hear from them.