WATSONVILLE—The race for the District 7 seat on the Watsonville City Council has been the tightest contest in all of Santa Cruz County this general election.
Current District 7 representative Ari Parker and former Watsonville mayor Nancy Bilicich are separated by a mere 10 votes, 378-368, respectively, in early voting tallies provided by the County Elections Department Wednesday morning.
At one point, Parker had only a one-vote lead on Tuesday night.
There are still thousands of votes left to be counted. By the county’s estimation, there were 59,600 vote-by-mail ballots, 1,175 same-day registration ballots and 90 provisional ballots submitted this election. As of Wednesday, only 37,878 votes had been accounted for.
Parker, who is serving as mayor this year, said Tuesday night that the winner will likely not be determined until all the votes are counted and the election results are certified at the end of the month.
“It ain’t over until it’s over,” she said.
Parker was first elected to the city council in 2018, the same year Bilicich termed out of office and ran unsuccessfully for 4th District Santa Cruz County Supervisor.
“I think I win regardless of the outcome. Because I’ve had such a wonderful opportunity with meeting the people and the residents and hearing their concerns,” Bilicich said. “It’s been very enlightening for me and I’ve appreciated the opportunity to talk with them.”
Parker is a teacher at Bradley Elementary School.
Bilicich serves as the director of Watsonville/Aptos/Santa Cruz Adult Education.
The District 7 seat was the lone Watsonville City Council seat of four up for grabs that saw more than one candidate step forward. Casey Clark (District 5), Maria Orozco (District 3) and Kristal Salcido (District 4) all ran unopposed and will assume office next month.
The next update to the voting tally will come today at 4pm, according to the Elections Department.
Using a Michelle Obama quote gives me all the information I need about a person.
yes, it means you are well read and intelligent. when you quote Michelle Obama, one of our nation’s finest first ladies, it shows you have class and intelligence. so that leaves you OUT, Monique.
Then why didn’t you vote for her (Parker) if she’s so well read and intelligent for using a Michael Obama quote?
Nancy has a wonderful political history. She is such a nice person who shops at Nob Hill!
A powerhouse for Watsonville!
Nancy has a wonderful political history. She is such a nice person who shops at Nob Hill!
A powerhouse for Watsonville!