After a historic win four years ago, Harrisburg Mayor Linda Thompson conceded Tuesday after a months-long battle for the Democratic nomination in this year’s mayoral race.
With all 28 of the city’s precincts reporting, Midtown Scholar Bookstore owner Eric Papenfuse won the race with 2,480 votes. City Controller Dan Miller finished second with 2,084. Thompson was in third with 1,816.
Thompson arrived at the National Civil War Museum Tuesday night to applause and cheers from dozens of supporters.
“Most importantly it’s an honor to have been the mayor of this city. I think the voters have spoken, that they are looking for change, and I accept that with much humbleness. It really was about the will of the people. And, I will make sure the transition is done smoothly,” said Thompson.
In 2009, Thompson defeated Stephen Reed, who had once been dubbed “mayor for life,” and became the city’s first black and first female mayor.
During her concession speech, she said her defeat was not a failure and pointed to the improvements she said the city has made since she took office amidst a significant financial crisis.
Papenfuse will go on to face Nevin Mindlin (I) in the November general election. No Republicans ran in the primary.