Kunes to remain Treasurer, among other notable races
As the results of Tuesday’s election have come in, candidates for executive offices in Clinton and Centre Counties experienced mixed outcomes.
In Clinton County, a spirited campaign by local banker Leslie Clukey to unseat the county treasurer appears to have fallen short, while Libertarian challenger Justin Lynn seems to have successfully unseated the mayor of Renovo.
In Bellefonte, where races were less contested, voters also appeared to favor continuity.
Here’s how some of these notable races broke down:
CLINTON COUNTY TREASURER
According to unofficial results, incumbent Michelle “Mick” Kunes appears to have kept her seat as Clinton County Treasurer.
Kunes received a total of 5,799 votes, with 5,045 on election day and 754 mail-in ballots.
Challenger Leslie Clukey received a total of 3,841 votes, with 2,777 on election day and 1,064 mail-in ballots.
Clukey, a Republican, had received more votes than Republican candidate Kunes on the Democratic ticket in the primary, as both had cross-filed, and thus appeared as the Democratic candidate in the general election.
Clukey offered several comments in a concession statement on election night, saying “the results are clear, and while they are not what we had hoped for, I stand here with a heart full of gratitude.
“To my campaign team, volunteers and every single person who cast a vote for me–thank you. Your belief in me has been humbling and inspiring. To my family and friends, thank you for your support and encouragement. Though this chapter closes, my commitment to our county remains strong. I will continue to be an active voice, a helping hand and a proud member of this community we all love.
“To my opponent, I offer my congratulations. I wish you wisdom, fairness and success in serving our community. The work of managing the county’s finances is not about politics–it’s about trust, responsibility and service.
“Elections come and go, but our shared values endure. Let’s keep working together for a stronger, fairer and more prosperous future for Clinton County. Thank you and God Bless.”
Kunes had not responded to a request for comment by The Express as of press time.
MAYOR OF RENOVO
In Renovo Borough, Tuesday’s election brought a surprising upset. Eugene Bruno, the incumbent mayor, fell short in his bid for reelection.
Libertarian Justin Lynn appears to have claimed the mayor’s seat, receiving 159 votes to Bruno’s 103.
An additional 11 ballots were unassigned.
BELLEFONTE BOROUGH MAYOR, TAX COLLECTOR
Based on unofficial results, the Borough of Bellefonte will retain its mayor, Gene “Buddy” Johnson, who ran unopposed for reelection. First sworn in in December 2021, this will be his second term in office.
Borough Tax Collector Debra Burger was likewise unopposed. Her next term will run from 2026 through 2029.
Write-in votes for both positions were negligible.
CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS
The Clinton County Board of Elections will meet on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 12 p.m., at the Clinton County Piper Building, 2 Piper Way, second floor conference room, Lock Haven. The purpose of the meeting is to determine winners of tie-votes of the municipal election, to certify its results and address any other business the Board of Elections deems appropriate.
Additional meeting times are available at www.clintoncountypa.gov/departments/voter-registration.
In Centre County, the Board of Elections will convene several times in the days following the municipal election.
Meetings are scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at 10 a.m. (watch live www.youtube.com/live/B_8h4BPtmgU); Friday, Nov. 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. (watch live www.youtube.com/live/KO9VQM11-yM); Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, at 3 p.m. for pre-certification; and Tuesday, Nov. 18, 2025, at 3 p.m., for certification.

