Early election results leave incumbents on the outs

San Bernardino residents can expect to have a new city councilmember in the 5th Ward according to early election results.

The top vote getter, Kim Knaus, a nonprofit director and businesswoman, received 34.22% of the vote. She will face former councilmember Henry Nickel, who received 27.11% of the vote, in a runoff in November.

In a social media post Wednesday Knaus said, “I am so humbled and appreciative of my community!!! WE DID IT!!! Our hard work and dedication have paid off. We made it to the runoff! I look forward to continuing to work with my community, businesses, and all stakeholders of our city to bring us to a better and brighter San Bernardino. A San Bernardino we are all happy to live, work, and play in.”

Mario Flores was leading the field in the race for the 6th Ward seat, with 52.62% of the vote, followed by Bessine Littlefield Richard with 35.51% and Councilmember Kimberly Calvin with 9.73%.

In the 7th Ward, the top two candidates were separated by only 4% with Treasure Ortiz at 37.58% and James Penman receiving 33.67% of the vote. Councilmember Damon Alexander came in third with 28.55%.

Only one incumbent Juan Figueroa, a first-term councilmember for the 3rd Ward, will retain his seat after receiving 59.98% of the early vote.