Mayor Jerry Sanders has an early lead tonight in his bid for reelection against challenger Steve Francis in the race for San Diego mayor.
With 16 percent of absentee ballots counted, Sanders has 52 percent and Francis trails with 38 percent, according to the Registrar of Voters.
Sanders needs 50 percent-plus-one to avoid a Nov. 4 runoff. Absentee returns don't necessarily reflect final results.