The Town of Johnstown has released the official results for the 2026 municipal election following final certification of ballots. A total of 2,837 ballots were received.
The certified results include slight changes from the unofficial totals released on Election Night after additional ballots were verified and counted.
Town Council Results
Six candidates competed for three open seats on the Johnstown Town Council. Based on the certified totals, the top three vote-getters were Jesse Molinar Jr., Dianne Morris, and Nick Bashford.
- Jesse Molinar Jr. — 1,221 votes
- Dianne Morris — 1,208 votes
- Nick Bashford — 1,195 votes
- Gus C. Cortez — 1,165 votes
- Andrew Paranto — 1,064 votes
- Cole Babiuch — 601 votes
Jesse Molinar Jr., Dianne Morris, and Nick Bashford are expected to be sworn in during the April 20 Town Council meeting.
Ballot Measure Results
Ballot Issue 2A: Open Space, Trails, and Park Funding
Voters rejected Ballot Issue 2A.
- No — 1,473 votes
- Yes — 1,336 votes
The measure would have provided funding for open space, trails, and parks.
Ballot Issue 2B: Organization of a Downtown Development Authority
Voters approved Ballot Issue 2B.
- Yes — 41 votes
- No — 10 votes
The measure authorizes the organization of a Downtown Development Authority.
Ballot Issue 2C: Authorization for the DDA to Collect, Retain, and Expend Revenues
Voters also approved Ballot Issue 2C.
- Yes — 40 votes
- No — 11 votes
This measure authorizes the Downtown Development Authority to collect, retain, and spend revenues.
Changes from the Unofficial Results
Compared to the election night totals, 30 additional ballots were counted during the certification process. Those additional ballots slightly increased the vote totals for all Town Council candidates and ballot measures.
The certified results changed as follows:
- Total ballots increased from 2,807 to 2,837
- Jesse Molinar Jr. increased from 1,204 to 1,221
- Dianne Morris increased from 1,191 to 1,208
- Nick Bashford increased from 1,190 to 1,195
- Gus C. Cortez increased from 1,157 to 1,165
- Andrew Paranto increased from 1,050 to 1,064
- Cole Babiuch increased from 598 to 601
Looking Ahead
With the election now certified, the newly elected council members will soon take office and begin helping guide Johnstown through continued growth and future development decisions.
The approval of Ballot Issues 2B and 2C may also shape future efforts related to downtown development, while the defeat of Ballot Issue 2A indicates voters were not ready to approve additional funding for open space, trails, and parks at this time.
Johnstown Republic will continue following the transition and any upcoming decisions related to the new council and ballot measures.
