Council at-large: Henderson wins re-election bid easily

Veteran District 10 At-Large Councilor Skip Henderson cruised to re-election Tuesday, easily defeating a political newcomer by a wide margin.

Henderson won with an unofficial total of 9,420-6,594 (or 58-42 percent) over attorney Teddy Reese.

Henderson, who ran on a campaign of experience and vision, called the victory “humbling,” and as an opportunity to better serve the community.

“I’ve been doing this for 19 years now,” Henderson said. “I’m just very grateful and very humbled that I get to do it for four more.”

Reese, a black attorney, campaigned for office by saying that the city needs diversity among its two at-large councilors. Both Henderson and Judy Thomas, the other at-large councilor, are white residents of north Columbus.

“Part of my concern is that people tell me they do not have a representative,” Reese said. “Everybody loves their district councilor, but we have two more people casting pivotal votes. How are they engaged with the community?”

During the campaign, Henderson said he recognized that some areas of town need more attention.

“We have challenges,” Henderson said. “We continue to have some people who feel that they’re not getting their piece of the dream, their piece on the progress. We need to continue to focus on that.”

After the vote, Henderson said he recognized the message inherent in the poll numbers.

“It’s a reminder that about 40 percent of the voters voted for my opponent, so it’s a great opportunity to connect with them and to better represent everybody,” Henderson said.

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 11:32 PM with the headline "Council at-large: Henderson wins re-election bid easily."