Update, November 4: Ezra Nanes released a statement on Wednesday to declare victory in State College’s mayoral race.

As of Thursday morning, Nanes, who ran unopposed, racked up 3,025 votes to trump 147 total write-in votes. Barring an unforeseen miracle as final ballots are processed, Nanes will become State College’s next mayor in January.

“Yesterday’s 2021 municipal election results are clear: the State College Borough delivered a strong mandate for bold and empathetic change,” Nanes’ statement reads. “After a long election season, we can all come together and work to provide leadership for the people of State College.”

Nanes is the first Jewish person elected as State College’s mayor. He said he looks forward to both sharing his faith with the borough and finding “the common bonds of meaning and faith” to unite all people.

“Let’s continue to make State College a place that people young and old want to come to and stay at, to build their lives and businesses, to study and learn, to grow their families and careers, to enjoy the richness of culture and arts, the beauty and peace of nature, and to spend their later years of life — a time to savor, reflect and give thanks as we pass what wisdom and joy we can on to those come after,” Nanes said.

Now, Nanes will likely begin preparing to take office and guide State College’s government. In his statement, he laid out a few common themes he’ll hope to work on, including promoting justice, supporting downtown businesses, and even promoting bike safety and sustainability efforts.

Original Story: Ezra Nanes, AccuWeather’s director of business development, will serve as the next mayor of State College after garnering more than 95% of the vote in Tuesday’s general election.

As of 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nanes has amassed 2,805 votes with every precinct at least partially reporting results, but his victory seems all but certain — even with more mail-in ballots waiting to be counted. As always, election results remain unofficial until they’re certified by Centre County’s election officials.

Nanes ran unopposed on this year’s ballot. He defeated fellow Democrat Jim Leous by nearly a two-thirds margin in May’s primary election.

Nanes will succeed Ron Filippelli, who ran for Borough Council but did not make it out of May’s primary election.

State College’s mayor serves a four-year term while earning a $13,000 yearly salary. He or she can’t vote among the Borough Council but can veto or approve ordinances and preside over council meetings.

Nanes and three new councilmembers, among others, will assume their new roles in January.

To learn more about Nanes and his platform, check out our podcast episode with him from last April.