Educator turned candidate Pamela Campos has a marginal lead over retired sheriff’s deputy Joe Lopez in the race for the San Jose City Council District 2 seat.
As of 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Campos, a nonprofit advocate and former education specialist, is ahead in early results with 51.8% of the vote. Longtime San Jose resident and second time candidate, Lopez trails with 48.1% of the vote.
The county’s voter turnout is about 34.6% as of 8 p.m. and 362,872 ballots have been cast.
The two are vying for an open seat with Councilmember Sergio Jimenez terming out in December. District 2 stretches from the border of Morgan Hill and up to a portion of South San Jose, ending at Sylvandale Avenue.
Campos said she is cautiously optimistic of her chances to win.
“I’m feeling good knowing that we worked really hard since we found out we would be on the November general election ballot,” she told San José Spotlight. “We worked up until the last hour and I’m really proud of that. My hopes are that with the new council elected we can take San Jose in a new direction. For District 2, we need a leader who will work tirelessly and bring resources services and programs that are community desperately needs.”