The final race for Kirkland City Council was decided Tuesday, as former State Rep. Toby Nixon was declared the winner over two-term incumbent Jessica Greenway for Position No. 4. The King County Elections certified Nixon as the the winner by just 196 votes.

Nixon released a statement early Tuesday morning.

“I’m grateful to the people of Kirkland for this opportunity to serve them as a member of the city council,” said Nixon. “I’m humbled by how close the vote was, and affirm once again that as a council member I will do my best to represent and consider the interests of everyone in Kirkland, including all neighborhoods old and new, without regard to who they might have supported in the campaign.”

The final totals were close. Nixon beat Greenway by less than one percent of the 21,152 votes cast. Greenway called to congratulate Nixon Tuesday afternoon.

“The people have spoken,” said Greenway. “He won. He had more votes than me. It was very close and I think it reflects that there was a lot of support for both of us.”

Greenway said that she felt the two biggest factors were an anti-incumbent mood and that there were changes thanks to the annexation.

“I thank Councilmember Greenway for her many years of faithful service to the city and for a hard-fought but civil campaign,” said Nixon. “I look forward to continuing to work with her, since I know her love of the city will not allow her to just sit back and relax anymore than would mine.”

Nixon held a 3 percent lead on election night, but Greenway has become accustomed to making comebacks. She trailed on election night during her past two elections for the seat.

That 3 percent lead dwindled during the first few days of new results. But the tied then turned back in Nixon’s favor before the end of the first week.

“I look forward to learning from and working together with the other members of the City Council, the members of the Houghton Community Council, our great volunteer members of boards and commissions, the city manager and staff, and all the citizens of Kirkland, to make our city an even better place to live, providing the services we need at a cost we can afford, with the ethics, transparency, and accountability we expect and deserve,” said Nixon, who lives in the Kingsgate neighborhood. “I encourage people to continue contacting me with their ideas and concerns; there’s nothing we can’t achieve if we work together.”

For Greenway, the results are just another chapter in a career of public service to the City of Kirkland that has spanned 25 years. She said that it is way too early to even approach the idea of running for council again in the future, but that she enjoys serving the citizens of Kirkland.

“I have a passion for public service and I will find another niche in the community,” said Greenway.