Merrill re-elected in Rexburg, Johnson retains city council seat

REXBURG – Jerry Merrill will serve a third term as Rexburg’s mayor.

Merrill defeated challengers Mike Glasscock and Luke Evans by a wide margin. Merrill received 1,323 votes (70.6 percent), Evans received 213 votes (11.37 percent) and Glasscock received 338 votes (18.04 percent).

In an interview last month, Merrill says he’s done a lot over the years to encourage new business, upgrade the city’s infrastructure and beautify the community with new parks and renovations to historic buildings.

“I would like to keep the momentum going on all these projects and see them through to completion,” Merrill said. “I have loved serving the citizens of Rexburg and am happy and willing to do my best for them for one more term of office.”

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“I’m grateful to all of those who came out and voted, no matter who they voted for,” Merrill said of his win. “I’m grateful for those who supported my candidacy. It’s a show of support that we’re doing the right thing. We’ll continue to do good things for the city and the citizens who live here.”

Merrill extended his congratulations to the city council seat winners, as well.

“I’m so excited about the new city council people who got elected,” he told EastIdahoNews.com.

The mayor said he is thankful to everyone who ran for office, whether they won or not.

“It’s alway good to have people running and giving their input,” he said.

City Council Race

Incumbent Bryanna Johnson and five other candidates were vying for three seats on the Rexburg City Council –Johnson’s and two other seats. Johnson retained her spot. The two new faces on the council will be Eric Erickson and David Reeser.

The voting for city council was very close.

Eric Erickson won the most votes, pulling in 1,298 (25.40 percent). Johnson came in with 1,239 votes (24.24 percent). Finally, Reeser cam in just behind Johnson with 1,235 votes (24.16 percent).

“I have really enjoyed serving on the Rexburg city council for the past four years,” Johnson told EastIdahoNews.com recently. “I have more to contribute.”