Early votes are showing a tight lead for two Ukiah City Council seats. Incumbent Douglas Crane and political newcomer Heather Criss are leading the charge among six candidates, according to early results Wednesday morning. Â
Crane is holding his seat with 25.2% of the vote. He’s served on the city council for over 20 years.
Newcomer Heather Criss is on the verge of ousting incumbent Josefina Dueñas with 26.2% of the vote to Dueñas’ 14.5%. Dueñas serves as mayor.
Criss is a program administrator for Mendocino County Public Health. She earned endorsements from SEIU Local 1021, the Mendocino Women’s Political Coalition, North Bay Labor Council AFL-CIO and the Ukiah Daily Journal.
Criss and Dueñas are trailed by business owner John Strangio with 14.1% of the vote, teacher Jacob S. Brown with 11.1% and Reiki practitioner and life coach Kristina Mize with 8.5%. These figures will change, as only 28.5% of the vote is in.
Winners of the election will go on to serve four-year terms starting Dec. 1. Councilmembers have the opportunity to serve as mayor on a rotational basis.