By Robert Haugh
Councilmember Karen Hardy continues to lead Santa Clara’s crowded race for mayor. But the contest remains tight as additional ballots are counted.
According to the latest election results Monday evening, Hardy has 6,007 votes, or 22.90 percent.
Former Councilmember Kathy Watanabe remains in second place with 5,539 votes, or 21.12 percent.
That puts Hardy’s lead at just 468 votes.
David Kertes is still within striking distance in third place with 5,088 votes, or 19.40 percent.
Councilmember Kevin Park is fourth with 4,790 votes, or 18.26 percent.
That means fewer than 1,220 votes separate the top four candidates in the mayor’s race.
Gary Ferraris remains a distant fifth with 2,891 votes, or 11.02 percent. Mike Wiltberger has 1,894 votes, or 7.22 percent.
The 49ers and organized labor spent approximately $2 million in independent expenditures supporting Ferraris.
Ferraris’ campaign will easily go down as the most expensive losing political campaign in Santa Clara history if you divide the dollars spent by votes received.
More than 26,000 votes have now been counted in the mayor’s race.
District 2: Williams Maintains Lead
In City Council District 2, Kimberley Williams continues to lead Yvonne Inciarte.
Williams has 2,203 votes, or 56.60 percent, compared with Inciarte’s 1,681 votes, or 43.19 percent.
Williams’ lead is now 522 votes.
A total of 3,892 votes have been counted in the District 2 race.
District 3: Crutchlow Still Ahead
In District 3, Eric Crutchlow continues to hold the advantage over Kyle Madej.
Crutchlow has 2,099 votes, or 54.90 percent, while Madej has 1,722 votes, or 45.04 percent.
Crutchlow leads by 377 votes.
A total of 3,823 votes have been counted in District 3.
The results remain unofficial while the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters continues processing ballots.
According to their website, there are an estimated 136,550 ballots still to be counted countywide. The Registrar does not provide additional information about how many ballots are uncounted in local cities.