Early returns: Jiménez leads Richmond mayor’s race, fire bond just over two-thirds

Claudia Jiménez took an early lead over Ahmad Anderson in Richmond’s mayoral runoff Tuesday night, with 52.2 percent of the vote in the first results released by the Contra Costa County Elections Division shortly after 8 p.m.

Jiménez had 8,606 votes to Anderson’s 7,878, a margin of 728 votes. The first release covers mail ballots the county received before Election Day and early in-person votes. No Election Day precincts had reported, and more ballots will be added through the night and in the days ahead.

About 29 percent of Richmond’s 59,820 registered voters were counted in the first release.

Jiménez, who represents District 6 on the City Council, and Anderson were the top two finishers in the June primary. Mayor Eduardo Martinez finished third. If Jiménez wins, the council will appoint someone to fill the rest of her District 6 term.

Fire station bond

Measure Q, a $120 million bond to repair and rebuild Richmond’s fire stations and firefighter housing, had 68.4 percent yes in early returns. It needs two-thirds, or about 66.7 percent, to pass. That puts it less than 2 points above the threshold.

The bond would cost property owners an estimated average of $22.15 per $100,000 of assessed value each year, according to the county ballot materials. The city has looked at a Chevron settlement as a backup plan for station upgrades if the bond fails.

School parcel tax

Measure V, which would renew the West Contra Costa Unified School District parcel tax, had 72.6 percent yes across the district. It also needs two-thirds to pass. A July poll showed the renewal short of that mark.

Results are unofficial until the county certifies them.