Community

Berkeley District 1 race: Wrubel takes 55-vote lead

Friday's update showed Daria Wrubel ahead with 50.49% to Babitt's 49.51%.

Just 52 first-choice votes separate the top three candidates in the District 1 race. Courtesy

The race for Berkeley's open District 1 City Council seat has tightened dramatically, with Daria Wrubel now leading Laura Babitt by just 55 votes in the latest ranked-choice results.

On election night, Babitt led Wrubel 52% to 48%, with 144 votes separating the two candidates.

Friday's update showed Wrubel ahead with 2,847 votes (50.49%) to Babitt's 2,792 (49.51%).

District 1: First-choice votes

The raw vote tallies are also remarkably close.

Wrubel leads with 1,523 votes, followed by Babitt with 1,508 and Ross Bernet with 1,471. Just 52 votes separate the top three candidates.

Friday's count added about 2,100 ballots in District 1: 5,950 ballots, up from 3,832 on election night.

The race remains too close to call, with additional ballots still to be tallied.

The next results are expected Monday after 5 p.m.

See our complete Berkeley election results roundup and full Elections coverage.