Even though Georgette Gomez is leaving to run for Congress, her presence was still being felt in San Diego City Council District 9 following Tuesday's election.
Her former policy advisor, Kelvin H. Barrios, was leading Wednesday morning in the race to replace her by a wide margin. Nonprofit executive Sean Elo was trailing behind by nearly 10 percentage points with 100% of precincts reporting but 350,000 ballots countywide that still need to be tallied.
Both should be able to move on to the November general election. Johnny Lee Dang was in a distant third.
RELATED: Residents In San Diego City Council District 9 Speak Their Minds
When Gomez decided to leave the council and run for Congress, her District 9 seat was up for grabs. A crowded field of candidates lined up hoping to take her place in a district that includes City Heights, Kensington and the College area.
Residents in the area said the district has serious infrastructure needs and the district’s next councilmember must address the need for more affordable housing and protections for renters.
