Nancy Holland elected to Akron City Council Ward 1

Democratic incumbent Nancy Holland, who was picked in June 2021 by Akron City Council to represent Ward 1 following the death of former Councilman Rich Swirsky, has defeated a Republican challenger and a write-in candidate.

She will serve Swirsky's unexpired term, which ends in 2023. Ward 1 runs northwest from the University of Akron downtown, through Highland Square and to the Merriman Valley and the city's northern limit.

More:Highland Square's Nancy Holland once sued to overturn laws. Now, she gets to write them.

Summit County Voter Guide: Summit County Voter Guide: Akron City Council — Ward 1

Holland, a Democrat and civil rights lawyer, defeated Michael Andes 3,980 to 1,471. Write-in candidate Michael W. Bradley earned 13 votes, according to unofficial results.

Holland, an Akron native, has raised three children in Highland Square, where she's lived since 1999. She has served on the Children Services Board of Summit County, Summit County Council’s Special Committee on Racism as a Public Crisis and the Akron Civil Rights Commission.

More:Republican Michael Andes to oppose Ward 1 incumbent Nancy Holland for Akron City Council

Andes had been among 17 residents who had sought council's appointment to the seat. He owns more than three dozen rental properties throughout the city. He said he had hoped to bring his business background to council, and wanted to work to bring members of council together on issues, including affordable housing.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Nancy Holland elected to Akron City Souncil Ward 1 seat