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Two Albert Lea City Council members will return for another term, and one new face will join them after Tuesday’s election.

First Ward Councilor Rachel Christensen, 3rd Ward Councilor Jason Howland and 5th Ward Councilor-elect Keith Van Beek were all unopposed in their races.

In the Ward 1 race, Christensen received 1,494 votes, and there were eight write-ins. In the Ward 3 race, Howland had 1,333 votes, and there were 16 write-in votes; and in the Ward 5 race, Van Beek received 627 votes, and there were four write-in votes.

Christensen was first elected in 2022 to finish the term of Rich Murray who ran successfully for mayor. With the partial term ending this year, the Ward 1 seat was up for election for the regular four-year term.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue to serve,” she said. “I appreciate the confidence that Ward 1 has placed in me to do this important job. I really feel we have so many good things and great momentum going on in Albert Lea and that things are looking good for the future.”

She said she appreciates working with her fellow councilors, city staff, stakeholders and others to work to make the community the best it can be for everyone.

She congratulated everyone who competed in the election and said she appreciated those who were willing to step up and be a part of serving the community.

Howland was first elected in 2016, started his first term in January 2017, and will soon be starting his third term.

Howland said even though he ran unopposed, he wanted to thank everyone in Ward 3 who voted for him.

“I’m looking forward to another four years on the council and continuing to move the city in a positive direction,” he said.

Van Beek, who will start his first term in January, said he looks forward to serving the community.

“I just want to see the community grow and assist where I can,” Van Beek said.

He will replace current 5th Ward Councilor Robert Rasmussen, who has chosen not to run again.