Nov. 5. By Dave Vieser. Two years ago, Denis Bilodeau came within five votes of upsetting incumbent Cornelius Mayor Woody Washam. This year there was no doubt, as he rode to victory on the strength of a 508-vote margin.

“I am incredibly honored and humbled to be the next mayor of the great town of Cornelius,” said Bilodeau. “I view this election as a mandate to make improvements in traffic flow and infrastructure. Thank you to all that voted in record numbers.”

Bilodeau

Though the results are unofficial there is little doubt that a recount will be needed, as it was in 2023. Bilodeau received 3,181 votes to Washam’s 2,673 votes. In total, 7,625 votes were cast in this election, up from 5,521 votes two years ago.

The mayor-elect brings extensive experience to the post, including prior terms as a town commissioner as well as mayor pro tem. He has pledged to work on traffic issues, which were a major concern expressed by voters prior to the election.

Bilodeau will preside over a town board with whom he is very familiar, having previously served with four of them as a commissioner from 2021 to 2023.

For Washam, the election results mean the end of an eight-year run as mayor of Cornelius.

“I’m grateful for all the support I have received over many years as an elected official,” he said. “It has been an honor to serve my town. I wish our new board and mayor nothing but the best in the years ahead.”

Speaking this morning over the phone, newly-elected Mayor Pro Tem Michael Osborne was grateful for Washam’s service over the years.

“We know how much Woody loves being mayor and we respect the amount of work that he has put into the town over the years,” he said. “He cares a great deal about Cornelius and we appreciate everything he has done.”

Election results (unofficial, will be certified Nov. 14)