Gaithersburg Election Results: Ashman, Henderson, McNulty Elected

This story was updated at 2:42 a.m.

GAITHERSBURG, MD — Gaithersburg voters have spoken: Mayor Jud Ashman will serve the city for another term. Ashman earned 3,650 votes votes, with challenger Stephen J. Escobar pulling in 833.

For City Council, Lisa Henderson and Jim McNulty will take office. The results for all five candidates were:

• Lisa Henderson, 2,632 votes (30.73%)
• Jim McNulty, 2,159 votes (25.21%)
• Yamil Hernandez 1,777 votes (20.75%)
• David Belgard, 1,274 votes (14.87%)
• Phillip Cook, 723 votes (8.44%).

The results were released just after 2:30 a.m. — 5.5 hours later than the city had originally planned. The city said that was due to a high turnout. These results are unofficial, and the official results will be released next week.

"Our City is in great shape," Ashman told Patch in his candidate questionnaire. "Under my leadership – in partnership with my City Council colleagues and our staff – I believe that the City is moving in the right direction. I intend to continue that momentum."

Gaithersburg Voters Head To The Polls

Loretta Jordan moved to Gaithersburg in 1991 and has voted in every election since.

"I come out every time," she said. "I have to vote."

Jordan said she was looking for a candidate who could support Gaithersburg's growth, especially the Lakeforest Mall area. Jordan said she used to enjoy going to the mall — the dining and the shopping, especially big stores such as Lorde and Taylor, were hits. With the closures, it's not what it used to be for her.

"There's nothing to draw me there," she said.

Like Jordan, another voter said she comes to the polls every time there's an election. Melinda (she asked Patch to use just her first name) said she was looking for someone who had solid goals for Gaithersburg.

"Competency," she said of what she's looking for in a candidate. "With a good vision for what they want the community to be."

Francis X. Amati said that he was looking for candidates who would look out for every person in the county, not just those like them. When a candidate noticed him walking up to the building in the rain, he approached Amati and walked to the door with him under his own umbrella, which Amati said did not go unnoticed.

"The way you present yourself shows your character," said Amati. He said that doesn't end after Election Day, though. He expects the candidates he votes for to stay true to their campaign platforms and promises.

"We're looking for you to do it every day," said Amati of the council's duty to the people.

Meg is another Gaithersburg voter who heads to the polls every time there's an election. This year she brought her grandson to watch her vote.

"It's a civic responsibility," she said. "Hopefully it's a good example for the little guy."