The race to fill the vacant district 6 seat left by former Los Angeles City Council President Nury Martinez is likely headed toward a runoff.

While district 6 candidate Imelda Padilla led the way in voting after the April 4 election, she has only received 25% of the vote, with at least 51% needed for victory. When the remaining ballots are counted, it is likely Padilla will compete in a runoff against either Marisa Alcaraz, who has earned 21% of the vote, or Marco Santana, who was received 18% of votes and fewer than 300 votes behind Alcaraz, as of this writing.

“Today’s update, in which I remain the frontrunner to be the next Councilmember of the 6th District, solidifies that the voters acknowledge my life-long dedication to serving the needs of our working families in the San Fernando Valley,” Padilla said in a statement after an April 7 vote update by the Los Angeles County Clerk. “We will continue to push forward with our positive campaign for change into the runoff election and present solutions to the problems facing our neighborhoods, such as homelessness, public safety and improving the quality of life for those who call Council District 6 home.”

The special election was a result of former L.A. City Council President Martinez resigning after a leaked audio conversation revealed her saying racial remarks in a conversation involving two other council members, as well as making derogatory comments toward multiple council members.

Martinez wrote a public resignation letter soon after the recording leaked, as protesters demanded her removal, as well as council members Kevin de Leon and Gil Cedillo.

Cedillo stayed through the end of his term in December 2022, while de Leon continued to serve on the council after a leave of absence.

Votes to fill the seat continue to be counted, after which the runoff date will be announced. The winner will then serve the remainder of Martinez’s term, into December 8, 2024.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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