Michael Odman is on his way to becoming the next mayor of Milon-Freewater, according to early election results May 21, 2024.

MILTON-FREEWATER — For the first time in decades, it appears Milton-Freewater will have a new mayor and a new councilor leading Ward 2.

Results on Oregon’s Secretary of State website as of 8:15 p.m., Tuesday, May 21, showed mayoral candidate and political newcomer Michael Odman receiving 388, or 74% of 523 votes.

Incumbent Lewis Key, who has held the seat for nearly 32 years, had received 133, or just over 25%, of those votes.

There were two write-in votes.

In Ward 2, which serves the southern end of Milton-Freewater, incumbent Brad Humbert had received 100 of 273 votes, or just over 36%.

Emily Holden, who ran on a platform of transparency and change, had garnered 172 votes, or 63% of the total.

There was one write-in vote.

The winner of the night’s simple majority will appear on the November ballot, Umatilla County election officials said.

Milton-Freeewater had two uncontested council races, as well. Incumbent Jose Garcia, Ward 3, received 98%, or 119 of 121 total votes, alongside two write-in votes.

Destiny Jensen, running as a newcomer for the At Large, Position 1 city council spot, got 96.75%, or 357 votes out of 523. Twelve write-in votes took 3.25% of the total.

Odman said the support and encouragement he heard from “just about everybody” was overwhelming.

“It was helpful to see how excited they are for some change. I think they are hungry for new life in Milton-Freewater,” he said.

Odman said he will be honored to serve as mayor and to work alongside the city council and new City Manager Chad Morris.

“I look forward to representing our community … I look forward to making Milton-Freewater an even better place to live.”

Holden said while she knows the people’s wishes won’t be known for sure until after the Nov. 5 election day, at this point she is grateful people are willing to trust her.

“I’m looking forward to serving Milton-Freewater,” she said.