Takoma Park Mayor Talisha Searcy is ahead in the race to lead the city, according to unofficial election results released by the city.

Searcy, who faced Tom Gagliardo, was leading by a significant margin two hours after the polls closed and with more than half the more than 5,800 votes counted.

Searcy, who works in health information technology, has served as mayor since November 2022. She campaigned on increasing affordable housing, strengthening local businesses and improving public safety.

Searcy was endorsed by Montgomery County Council member Kate Stewart, who encouraged her to run in 2022.

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Gagliardo, a former Takoma Park city attorney, campaigned for more government transparency and more effective use of taxpayer dollars. He was endorsed by County Executive Marc Elrich.

City Council races

There are seven seats on the Takoma Park City Council, one of which is held by the mayor. Three of the remaining six were contested on Election Day. According the unofficial results Tuesday night:

  • The Ward 1 race between Doug Glynn, a Spanish professor at Loyola University, and Shana Fulcher, a former council member, was too close to call. The winner will replace current council member Jessica Landman, who did not run for reelection.

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  • In the Ward 2 race, Jim Della-Giacoma, an international development consultant, was leading Suzy Stimler, a community activist. The winner will replace current Council member Cindy Dyballa, who did not run for reelection.

  • In Ward 6, the race between incumbent Amy Wesolek and challenger Ambroise Agosse, a small business owner, was too close to call.
  • Tom Wallack, who works in marketing and communications, won the Ward 3 council seat. He ran unopposed.
  • Incumbent Kurt Gilbert won the uncontested Ward 4 seat. Gilbert is a retired Takoma Park Police officer. He joined the council in November 2024.
  • Incumbent Cara Honzak, who ran unopposed, will serve a third term representing Ward 5. Honzak is a senior international development professional. She joined the council in November 2022.