City of Pasadena Council member Terry Tornek defeated Jacque Robinson Tuesday April 21 in the race to be Pasadena’s first new mayor in 16 years, according to preliminary vote totals.
The two City Council members were competing in a mandated runoff to decide only the city’s second directly elected mayor.
Robinson had 44.4 percent to Tornek’s 55.5 percent. Robinson also finished second in the March 10 primary to Tornek 36.3 percent to 30.7 percent, but figured to have a significant chance of becoming the city’s first Black female mayor.
Mayor Bill Bogaard, who became the city’s first directly elected mayor in 1999, chose not to seek re-election.
“I think I ran a great campaign,” Robinson said in an interview at City Hall after the initial vote totals were released. “We had a number of volunteers, we were knocking on doors even through 8 o’clock tonight.”
Robinson declared her candidacy for mayor in November. She gave up her seat representing District 1 Northwest Pasadena to run for mayor. Robinson served on the City Council for two years.
Tornek raised the most money. Campaign finance documents show he has raised nearly $200,000 since last June.
It was a closer race for the lone City Council seat up for grabs Tuesday night. Former Fire Chief Calvin Wells faced off with candidate Tyron Hampton in the contest. Both candidates are Black.
