Ferguson secured the victory with 1,108 votes in his favor, compared to 617 votes for write-in candidate Athanasia Landis, who previously served as Fredonia Mayor from 2016-2019.

“I feel wonderful, mixed emotions. I think it was a good campaign. I want to thank my wife, of course, who has been my right-hand-man, and Greg Krauza and the entire Democratic Committee,” Ferguson said. “… but I also want to thank those folks who supported me from all parties. I’m truthfully looking forward to working across party lines to make Fredonia even better than it already is.”

As the early numbers showed Ferguson ahead, high fives and smiles spread like wildfire through the room. As the night progressed, the positivity persisted, as not only Ferguson won the Mayoral race, but Ben Brauchler was also elected to claim one of the three open seats on the Village Board of Trustees.

“I feel a little trepidatious, and hopeful that we can move things forward for the village. I’ve been very, very concerned about our infrastructure and I hope that we can get our act together,” Brauchler said within minutes of his election victory. “… It’s been an interesting ride and I appreciate everybody who supported me.”

Fredonia Mayor-elect Mike Ferguson smiles as he is proclaimed the winner of the election for Mayor of Fredonia. OBSERVER Photo by Braden Carmen.

Also winning seats on the Fredonia Village Board were Paul Wandel and incumbent Jon Espersen, both Republicans. Espersen received the most votes of any candidate for Village Trustee with 1,027. Wandel was second with 986 votes, and Brauchler was third with 889 votes. The other three candidates were David Bird (774), James Lynden (734), and Michael Barris (690).

Brauchler noted positive relationships with other Village Board members as a reason to feel optimistic.

“I know there are some good people who are still on the board. I’ve spoken with them and we’re going to work well together,” Brauchler said.

Ferguson was elected as the only name on the ballot, as Landis ran a write-in campaign because of health issues that left her unable to meet deadlines to receive consideration for a party endorsement.

At Medusa’s Hair Salon, directly across from Domus Fare on Main Street, Landis, Lynden, current Village Trustee Michelle Twichell, and others awaited the results. The mood was positive and excited before the results came in, but was much more somber less than an hour later.

In a campaign that became much more heated in recent months through comments made to the media and on social media, Landis stated her uncertainty in Ferguson moving forward as the endorsed Democratic Mayor of Fredonia, even as a Democrat herself.

“To be honest, at this moment, I don’t know where he stands, but I hope he stands on the right side,” Landis said, with a smile. “I wish him the best.”

Ferguson’s wife, Dianne, was texting with her children in various states across the country throughout the night as the news broke. She teared up as her husband was proclaimed the winner.

“I’ve always told my kids, wherever you are, be part of the community you’re in. I need to lead by example, so that’s what we’re doing,” Ferguson said.