Incumbent Lindy Peters and businessman Scott Hockett are leading in a five-way race for two seats on the Fort Bragg City Council, according to unofficial election results Tuesday night.Â
Peters is leading with 32.4% of the votes, followed by Hockett with 22.7% votes, with 28.5% of votes counted.
For a City Council seat that pays $610 a month, the five candidates battled it out in an election campaign that featured more hugs than acrimony. At the League of Women Voters of Mendocino County candidate forum in September, all the candidates pledged to support whoever won the election.
Peters has served on the City Council for 22 years. During his time on the council, Peters has shaped policies ranging from cannabis to homelessness.
Hockett works in the commercial fishing industry and has served on various commissions in the city.
Opponent Ryan Bushnell has 17.39% of the vote, followed by Bethany Brewery with 16.6% and Mel Salazar with 10.9% as of 11:47 p.m. Tuesday.
Councilmembers serve four-year terms. The mayor is elected by members of the City Council, serving two years in the role.
The new councilmember will replace Mayor Bernie Norvell, who was elected to the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors to represent District 4.