Editor’s note: Updated results of this race can be found here.
SANTA CRUZ COUNTY—Alyssa Wall has taken a large lead over opponent Brad Williams in the race for the seven-member Santa Cruz County Office of Education (COE) board Trustee Area 5. According to the votes counted at 9pm Tuesday, Wall has 65.68% of the vote, with 19 of 23 precincts reporting in.
Wall said she was “incredibly excited” about the results so far.
“Honestly, I’m shocked, to say the least,” she said. “I’m really proud of the campaign, of all the election staff. My number one goal has always been finding equitable solutions for all students. I’m thankful to the community and to be a voice for education in the county.”
Wall and Williams have been vying for the seat after Jane Barr, who held the position since 2012, decided not to run for reelection. Wall acknowledged Barr’s work, thanking her for the past eight years.
In Area 6, Ed Acosta maintained a strong lead over incumbent Dana M. Sales. He had 4,454 of 6,610 votes with all 18 precincts reported. Acosta, a member of the Watsonville Planning Commission, challenged long-standing member Sales, who has served on the board since 1992.
In Area 3, incumbent Sandra Nichols has also taken a big lead on challenger Mike Kubo, with 68.31% of the vote, with 23 of 27 precincts reported. Nichols has served in the seat since 2012 after serving on the Pajaro Valley Unified School District since 2000.
