The 2005 Dayton mayoral election took place on November 8, 2005. Incumbent Mayor Rhine McLin ran for re-election to a second term. She was challenged by homebuilder David Bohardt and former police major Barbara Temple. McLin argued that, while the city's revenues had fallen in worse economic times, she made progress on housing and economic development, while her opponents argued that she had mismanaged the city.[1] In the primary election, McLin placed first by a wide margin, winning just shy of 50 percent of the vote. Bohardt placed second with 38 percent of the vote, beating out Temple, who placed third with 13 percent.[2]
In the general election, McLin was endorsed for re-election by the Dayton Daily News. The Daily News praised her for having "good instincts" and noted that, while Bohardt was "a serious candidate who is committed to Dayton," the "region's leadership would be poorer without having Mayor McLin's voice."[3]
McLin ultimately defeated Bohardt by a wide margin, winning re-election with 55 percent of the vote.[4]