Hoy concedes mayor’s race

Mayor Julie Hoy gets a hug from a supporter after receiving disappointing initial returns for her race at the Salem Convention Center on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Hoy conceded the race on Wednesday. (LAURA TESLER/For Salem Reporter)


Mayor Julie Hoy on Wednesday conceded to challenger Vanessa Nordyke, after election results showed the Salem city councilor maintaining a commanding lead in Tuesday’s election. 

As of Wednesday morning, Nordyke was leading Hoy 56% to 44%. Nordyke had 13,541 votes to Hoy’s 10,555 with several thousand ballots remaining to be counted in Marion and Polk counties.

Hoy is in her first term as mayor.

Nordyke learned of the concession when contacted by Salem Reporter. She…

8 Comments

    • I disagree. Julie Hoy wants to get rid of homeless people. In fact, she wants to make homelessness illegal. I’m glad that Vanessa Nordyke won. She’s a champion for the average citizen.

  2. The Mayor-elect worked hard for every one of the votes she got and she will be a real asset to this city.

  3. Julie Hoy was ethically challenged and focused on the wrong priorities. Homelessness is not a crime. Vanessa will be a breath of fresh air. I am hopeful for the future of Salem. Thanks to all who voted for change!!

  4. Good riddance! I’m looking forward to a mayor who doesn’t run and hide every time people start asking her difficult questions

  5. This low turnout is pathetic. Think about this when watching the first 10 minutes of ‘Saving Private Ryan’
    People who want to speak at city council meetings should be approved by their voting record for the past 5 years; not who they voted for but that they actually voted.

  6. I liked Vanessa Nordyke – she has an optimism that Salem needs. While the comments focus on their differing positions on homelessness I don’t actually think that’s the most important thing. Hoy seemed too much a creature of one faction of the city – I have a lot of hope that Nordyke will rise above this. Certainly she seems better positioned to try than anyone in quite a while.

    What I want from a Mayor is a focus on making our city the best possible place to raise a family. The city has spent too much time distracted by hot button issues that get a lot of attention but which don’t really ever change.

  7. I thank Julie Hoy for her graceful concession speech. I did not respect her actions as mayor and am looking forward to seeing what Vanessa Nordyke can accomplish.

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