New leadership is coming to Storm Lake—and it’s someone who knows City Hall inside and out.
Councilperson Meg McKeon has won the city’s write-in mayoral race, according to unofficial results released yesterday afternoon by Buena Vista County Auditor Sue Lloyd. McKeon received 301 votes, while Charles Hernandez received 158. The results remain unofficial until the Buena Vista County Board of Supervisors canvasses the election next Wednesday, Nov. 12.
McKeon launched her campaign just weeks before Election Day, stepping forward after no official candidates filed for the seat. Hernandez had announced his candidacy 10 days earlier, hoping to inspire underrepresented residents to see themselves in local leadership.
McKeon says she’s grateful for the outcome.
A clinical social worker by training, McKeon brings decades of administrative experience in higher education and civic service. She’s held senior roles at Buena Vista University in Storm Lake and other higher education institutions nationwide, and has served locally on Storm Lake’s Planning and Zoning Committee, Board of Adjustment, and City Council.
Her platform centers on transparency, housing, retail development, and cultivating future leaders. She says her first priority will be helping the new council transition smoothly.
McKeon praised Hernandez’s campaign and its impact on civic engagement.
Hernandez, a Tyson wastewater worker, musician, and father of two, said his campaign was about representation and possibility.
If elected, Hernandez would have been Iowa’s first Latino mayor. He ran on a platform of bridging the gap between underrepresented communities and city government.
McKeon says she hopes Hernandez will remain active in civic life.
Only about 5 percent of Storm Lake residents cast votes for mayor, according to U.S. Census estimates.
McKeon succeeds Mayor Mike Porsch, who did not seek re-election. She is expected to be sworn in early January alongside new council members Rich Riner and Don Piercy Jr.
According to City of Storm Lake Communications Coordinator Dana Larsen, McKeon’s council seat could be filled by appointment or special election.
McKeon’s council term was set to expire in 2027. Any appointee would serve the remainder of that term unless residents petition for a special election.
As she prepares to take office, McKeon says she’s proud of Storm Lake and ready to serve.
She plans to release a formal statement this week.
