A quiet hum of disbelief fell over Diana Hall’s campaign office as the results of the Ward 44 Scarborough East race were announced at 10 p.m. Monday night.

Hall lost to incumbent Ron Moeser by 284 votes.

“I’m surprised. I’m really surprised,” Hall said after reading the final results. “We had a lot of positive feedback from residents, but maybe some of them didn’t get out to vote.”

The atmosphere before the final count was silent and intense. The tension could be cut with a knife, said Scarborough resident Mike Harris. Volunteer staff were speechless as they waited for the last two polling stations to report.

“I’m surprised,” said Carolyn Elbertsen, a Hall supporter. “I was hoping for some change.”

Barbara O’Kane and Lynda Seaton, both long-time friends of Hall, remained positive until the final moments, talking about Hall’s work ethic and her desire to be councillor.

“I’m not surprised [by Diana Hall being elected],” said Ward 39 councillor Mike Del Grande when he thought Hall would win the race. “She’s worked really hard and almost got in last time. Moeser has been booted out of council once before. He has not really done anything special, really sparkling.”

Hall said she was surprised at her loss.

“Sometimes that’s the way the cookie crumbles,” she said, addressing her family, volunteers and supporters. “Thank you everyone for all of your support — I had the best team of volunteers.”

Hall said she has not yet thought about running in the next election, but will make that decision at a later date.

—With files from Billy Courtice