Norton to seek second term as Rochester mayor

Rochester Mayor Kim Norton will be seeking re-election this fall.

The first-term mayor formally announced her run, which was expected, on Monday. Norton was first elected in 2018 by a 2-1 margin.

In the announcement, the mayor cited her leadership through the Covid-19 pandemic — along with guiding the city though changes to the council and administrative staff — as grounds for a second term in office.

“I have worked hard with our wonderful city staff, the city council and many of our community partners throughout all the challenges brought on by the pandemic,” said Norton. “Together, we worked to find ways to support local businesses and struggling families, while keeping Rochester moving forward. I am proud of the actions we took to protect the health of our community and to help Rochester rebound from the pandemic and its economic impacts quickly and successfully.”

In addition to Norton, two challengers, Britt Noser and Brad Trahan, have also announced intentions to enter the mayoral race. The filing period for local office is from May 17 through May 31.

Cover photo: Norton at her first inauguration / William Forsman