New Carrollton City Council member Briana Urbina won the city’s special election for mayor Monday, narrowly defeating ousted Mayor Phelecia Nembhard, who mounted a write-in campaign.

Urbina received 329 votes to Nembhard’s 312. Another former New Carrollton mayor, Katrina Dodro, received 222 votes, according to the city’s official tally, which showed about 12% turnout.

“I stayed focused on the voters and the people of New Carrollton,” Urbina said. “New Carrollton won last night in such a big way.”

The victory caps an approximately two-month campaign for Urbina that kicked off in September after Nembhard was removed from office over allegations that she had violated the city’s hiring freeze.

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During the campaign, Nembhard accused Urbina of playing a role in what she characterized as personal witch hunt and a power grab. Nembhard continues to challenge her removal in court.

Urbina said she plans to focus on improving city services, increasing government transparency and spurring economic growth.

“I feel so honored to have earned the trust of so many residents, and for those who I have not earned their trust yet, I will work so hard to not let anyone down,” Urbina said. “I want to do all that I can to make our community better, and it’s going to take all voices, and so all voices are going to be welcome.”

Urbina will be sworn in as mayor Nov. 18. Her term runs through May 2027.

“I want critical feedback,” she said. “I want engagement, and we’re gonna turn the ship around together.”

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