Justin Raithel came out of election night leading in the Folsom City Council District 2. As of Wednesday morning, Sacramento County Election results showed Raithel receiving 1,701 votes, or 40.30% of the total ballots. This showing put him ahead of challenger Dustin Silva, who garnered 1,344 votes (31.84%), and Hla Elkhatib, who earned 1,176 votes (27.86%) as of Wednesday morning.
Out of a potential 10,358 voters, 4,221 ballots were cast thus far, giving the district a voter turnout rate of 44.34% so far. The longtime Folsom resident is ready to get to work in his newest role in public service, however, he is remaining cautiously optimistic as final vote counts have yet to come.
“I am so grateful for all of your support, Folsom,” said Riathel, as he spoke with Folsom Times early Wednesday and shared just how much he has enjoyed this campaign. “ really enjoyed going door to door and meeting so many of you and hearing your priorities for our city. While there are still many votes to be counted, I would be honored to represent you and District 2.”
Raithel, a Folsom resident and dedicated community volunteer, has made many contributions when it comes to the city’s development. He has a long history of service, including roles on the Folsom and Sacramento County Planning Commissions, where he advocated for walkable neighborhoods, improved safety, and the preservation of open spaces and historic oak trees. As a founding member of Folsom’s Community Service Day and chair of its Steering Committee for several years, Raithel has demonstrated his commitment to local civic engagement and service.
Raithel’s past experience also extends to his role as past President of the Rotary Club of Folsom, where he spearheaded initiatives to enhance the city’s parks and trails. In recognition of his efforts, Raithel was named Volunteer of the Year by the Folsom Chamber of Commerce in 2020. Additionally, he founded the “Neighbors Helping Seniors” program to assist seniors with preparing their homes for the winter season
In addition to his public service, Raithel is a licensed engineer and a small business owner. He currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Symmetry for Health and is a partner in a startup medical software company. He brings a unique combination of technical expertise and business acumen to his campaign, advocating for solutions that benefit both residents and local businesses.
To keep up on updated results on the Folsom City Council race and other local elections, check our Folsom Times’ ongoing coverage of the vote count that began Tuesday night and continues by CLICKING HERE.
