Kayla Smith Triumphs Over Incumbent in New Hampton School Board Election
UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Kayla Smith has officially defeated three-term incumbent Tim Denner by a mere 15 votes in the closely watched New Hampton School Board election. The unofficial results, released late Thursday by the Chickasaw County Auditor’s Office, show Smith receiving 244 votes compared to Denner’s 229 votes, making this one of the most competitive elections in Chickasaw County history.
“I’m super excited, and I’m ready to go to work and take on this challenge,” Smith said, expressing her eagerness to serve the community. “I was getting so nervous, and honestly, the waiting was killing me. Now, I can focus on doing what’s best for our kids, our families, and our school district.”
The results were delayed for over 44 hours after polls closed due to an unexpectedly high number of write-in votes—totaling 502. This unusual situation stemmed from complications during the nomination period, which forced many candidates, including Smith, to run as write-ins. The law required nomination forms to be filed with the School Board secretary, but this crucial step was mishandled, leading to an unprecedented election scenario.
While Smith’s victory marks a significant change on the board, the election also highlighted several uncontested races. Among the write-in candidates, notable winners included Jeremy McGrath for New Hampton Ward 2 with just 2 votes and Mindy Humpal, who received 9 votes to retain her seat on the New Hampton Park Board.
The election results remain unofficial until two canvasses are completed, with the first scheduled for November 18. This canvass will include votes from other counties, as the initial results only reflect those from Chickasaw County.
The community is now watching closely as these newly elected officials decide whether to accept their positions. The implications of these results could significantly impact local governance and school policies moving forward.
As the dust settles from this unusual election, residents of New Hampton are eager to see how Smith will navigate her new role on the School Board. Stay tuned for further updates as the official canvassing unfolds in the coming days.
