Williams beats Papenfuse for Harrisburg mayor

Another Democratic incumbent mayor has lost in their effort for a third term.

Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse conceded to City Council President Wanda Williams on Tuesday night, Williams told the Capital-Star. She was holding on to a 60-vote lead, according to unofficial results.

Papenfuse faced a five way race for his reelection this year. First elected in 2013, Papenfuse, a bookstore owner, highlighted slow by steady growth in his attempt to claim a third, and final, term.

He’s worked with the Republican-controlled General Assembly, including a successful push to expand the city’s taxing powers. But his occasional coziness with the GOP cost him the support of the local party, who backed Williams.

Also on the ballot were two incumbent city councilors, Ausha Green and Shamaine Daniels, who appear on track to win reelection. Newcomers Ralph Rodriguez and Jocelyn Rawls appear set to win two open seats.