The stage for the 2009 election was set when incumbent Democratic mayor Kathy Taylor opted not to seek reelection.[2] The primary election, held on September 8, 2009, resulted in the selection of state senator Tom Adelson as the Democratic nominee and Bartlett, a former councilman, as the Republican. This led to a rematch of the 2004 state senate election in which Adelson defeated Bartlett.[3] Two independents were also on the ballot.[4] Polling conducted a week before the primary gave Bartlett about a 10-point head-to-head lead over Adelson;[5] and polling the week before the general election, which also included the independent candidates, showed an 8-point lead for Bartlett.[6]
In the November 10 general election, Bartlett received about 45% of the vote to Adelson's 36% and 18% for independent Mark Perkins. Adelson conceded early in the evening as the results became apparent. Bartlett took office on December 7, 2009.[1]