EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — Renard Johnson and Brian Kennedy are in the early lead in a crowded mayoral race for the City of El Paso after early voting totals were released after 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 7.
Johnson, a political newcomer and business owner, leads with 48,311 votes or 35.55 percent. Brian Kennedy, a City Council member for District 1, is second with 34,667 or 25.51 percent.
If neither gets more than 50 percent of the vote, that would trigger a runoff election.
Six other candidates have less than 10 percent.
Cassandra Hernandez is in a distant third at 12,693 votes or 9.34 percent. Other candidates are: Steven B. Winters, 11,367 or 8.36 percent; Isabel Salcido, 9,264 or 6.82 percent; Marco Antonio Contreras with 7,296 votes or 5.37 percent; Elizabeth Cordova, 6,904 votes or 5.08 percent; and Ben Mendoza, with 5,385 votes or 3.96 percent.
Also on the ballot, the City of El Paso is asking voters for the authoirty to cancel the remaining $128.45 million in general obligation bonds that were initially approved for a multipurpose performing arts and entertainment facility in Downtown El Paso.
After early voting, voters are in favor of axing the Downtown arena project. “Yes” is leading with 73,580 votes or 56.45 percent, while no trails with 56,757 or 43.55.
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