In a dramatic turn of events on the final day of candidate filings, Mayor Johanna Mouton has withdrawn from the mayoral race, paving the way for a three-way contest between former Council Member Jeff Buchanan, former Mayor Barry Petit, and former Council Member Andy Mullin.
Mullin had declared his intent early in April and filed his affidavit of candidacy on July 30th.
Mouton filed her affidavit of candidacy on July 30th as well.
Buchanan and Petit filed their affidavits of candidacy on August 13., before the 5 p.m. deadline.
Their last-minute entries have set the stage for a competitive race for Wayzata’s mayoral seat.
Asked why she withdrew her name from the race, Mouton stated, “The choice stems from a desire to embrace new professional opportunities that have recently presented themselves. With the new opportunities that lie ahead, I no longer feel that I can provide the level of time that is required.”
Meanwhile, the two open City Council seats will be filled by Council Member Alex Plechash and soon-to-be sworn-in Council Member Ken Sorensen, as they were the only candidates to file for the positions.
Both will be officially elected to the Wayzata City Council in November.
