In a close race watched closely by cycling advocates around the United States, cyclist Mike McGinn announced his victory tonight in the Seattle mayoral election after his opponent Joe Mallahan conceded.

McGinn, who campaigned on his bicycle and strongly supports cycling and public transportation, was the dark horse candidate who was outspent three to one. Seattle bike blogger Paul Andrews writes of McGinn and his campaign:

It was a startlingly unconventional way to build a base, campaigning in a bike helmet and blazer. But McGinn knew something that cyclists have long suspected: We’re a strong and growing political constituency, just waiting to be galvanized by a candidate who rides.

When we find out someone else is a cyclist, their stock goes way up. We have an instant bond. We are brothers and sisters in the daily combat of urban traffic. We know there’s a high chance our values will align, if not mirror, our compatriot’s.

The race was very close, and it’s amazing to see a guy who was mostly known for his biking to win this. Seattle cyclists are pretty excited and I think we can expect to see some good things there in the coming years.

Elsewhere:

* Seattle Transit Blog: McGinn cements lead over Mallan.
* Bike Intelligencer: Riding to win.
* Bike Intelligencer: Vote for a … cyclist?
* Bike Intelligencer: McGinn woudn’t ride like Nickels drives.
* Bike Hugger is in Seattle, so I expect at least a mention of this from them.
* How an underdog named Mike McGinn took City Hall.