Updated 11:30pm
Watsonville City Councilman Jimmy Dutra is so far holding onto his District 6 seat against challenger Trina Coffman-Gomez, garnering 51.7% of the vote, early results showed late Tuesday.
Dutra, who also served on the council from 2014 to 2018, is on his second stint in the position, which ends in December.
His lead comes despite a recent court decision that found him liable for damages for sex abuse nearly two decades ago. Dutra has not been convicted, and there was no police investigation in the case.
“I would like to thank my mom, Terry Dutra, my supporters, and everyone who has stood with my campaign throughout this election,” Dutra said in a text message. “I’m encouraged by the initial returns and look forward to representing district 6 for another 4 years.”
