Wilson Wins District 7 Council Seat

Pasadena City Council District 7 incumbent Andy Wilson beat challenger attorney Phil Hosp after the runoff election’s final vote counting session Wednesday evening at City Hall put Wilson in the 36-vote lead of 1,793 (50.5 percent) to 1,757 (49.4 percent).

The outcome was close, but not so close as to trigger what many observers had predicted might be a recount demand by whichever candidate lost.

“I’m pleased with the outcome, I’m thrilled, frankly,” Wilson said, speaking after the count. He also said his immediate priorities were “recovering and getting some sleep and lowering my stress level.”

Challenger and first-time political candidate Phil Hosp thanked his family and supporters and promised that he plans to remain very active in Pasadena’s civic affairs.

“I really want to thank everybody for supporting me and it was an honor and such a great experience to run,” Hosp said. “I’m certainly going forward, this is still my home town, still where I live and intend to raise my kids.”

The close-fought campaign unfolded with Hosp challenging Wilson by contending the incumbent represented the status quo and Hosp would bring needed change.

Hosp alleged that Wilson represented the needs and influence of developers and the business community more than the needs of local neighborhoods.

Wilson defended his record, contending that Hosp was a talker with no prior record of being active in city affairs while he was an experienced Councilmember and doer.

Even as emotions ran high and supporters for both candidates alleged misdoings on the part of the other side, the platforms of both candidates were similar.

Wilson and Hosp agreed on many city issues, from “Sanctuary City” policy to transportation, over-development in the City, tree protection and support of local natural habitats. Their sharpest disagreements often focused more on each other’s campaigning behavior than on city issues.

Wilson said Wednesday night he “was content” because he “felt like we ran a good clean campaign.”

“Phil engages with people that normally are not engaged in the political process,” Wilson said, standing in City Council Chambers surrounded by supporters. “I hope the people who got energized about this campaign will get involved in the daily business of government, come to City Council meetings, join me for a week at walkabouts.”

The political candidate experience was actually a first for both men. Wilson was appointed to the City Council in June, 2015 to fill the seat left vacant after former District 7 Councilmember Terry Tornek was elected Mayor, and had never campaigned before.

Top priorities now, for Wilson?

“I think reflecting on the campaign,” he said Wednesday. “I have learned a lot — synthesizing that into ‘what does this mean and how I pursue my practice in my governance as a Councilperson in the next 4 years is of super importance.’”