Glazer leads, expected to face Bonilla in General Election for special 7th State Senate race

By Allen Payton

So far, the strategy of powerful interests to clear the field of Republican candidates and elect Orinda mayor Steve Glazer to the 7th State Senate seat, appears to be working.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties, according to the California Secretary of State’s website, Glazer was in first, during Tuesday’s special election to fill the seat vacated mid-term by now-Congressman Mark DeSaulnier, with 32.8% of the vote.

Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla was in second place with 24.9% of the vote, followed by former Assemblywoman Joan Buchanan with 22.6%.

Michaela Hertle, the only Republican on the ballot, who dropped out without campaigning and endorsed Glazer, was in fourth place with 17% of the vote, followed by two-time unsuccessful Concord City Council candidate Dr. Terry Kremin with just 2.8% of the vote.

However, as of Wednesday morning there were still over 13,000 ballots left to be counted in both Contra Costa and Alameda Counties.

In a comment via Twitter, at 9:45 p.m. Tuesday night, Glazer wrote “Positive evidence that voters want a fiscally responsible bi-partisan problem solver who is independent from powerful special interests.” Then, a few minutes later, he wrote “The deception and manipulation by the BART unions and their allies had an impact but failed.”

When reached for comment on Wednesday, Bonilla said “I am pleased with the results of this very close race. My volunteers were exceptional and worked effectively to communicate my message and who I am to the voters. I want to thank my broad base of supporters and I look forward to continuing to work collaboratively to represent the families of our community.”

The top two finishers will face off against each other in the General Election to be held on May 19, 2015. Whichever candidate wins that election will have to run for reelection, next June for a full four-year term.

For the complete election results, click here.


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