Anita Edmondson continues to hold a comfortable lead over Vanessa Springett in the race for the Poway City Council District 2 seat.
Edmondson, with 54.61% of the votes, was leading by about 9 percentage points over Springett, who had 45.39% of the votes as of 6 p.m. Monday, June 8.
The projected number of ballots remaining to be counted was 40,000, the Registrar of Voters said on its online posting of vote results.
The election fills a vacancy left by former Councilmember Tony Blain, who resigned Nov. 5, one day after residents voted to recall him. He has been accused of vote trading and threatening recalls against his colleagues and was censured twice by the council.
Blain faces felony charges of perjury and bribery, and of destruction or removal of public documents. His preliminary hearing is set for July 22, according to the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office.
In the race to replace him, both candidates said the issues they encountered while campaigning included development and improvements along Poway Road, traffic safety in residential neighborhoods, and concerns that an outdoor pickleball facility could be built at The Farm development.
Edmondson, a former City Council member, was appointed in 2023 to fill a vacancy left by Councilmember Barry Leonard. The 59-year-old said she understands the role and limitations of council members.
Edmondson said the voting results reflect the feedback she received from Poway residents as she campaigned door-to-door. People want a representative with a track record of leadership and experience, she said.
“I ran on my record as a former council member and community leader and stayed on message throughout the campaign, so my support continued to gain momentum right up to Election Day,” said Edmondson, a business owner and teacher who was one of three members of the Recall Tony Blain campaign.
She added that she understands campaigning isn’t easy.
“I would commend anyone who puts their hat into the ring to serve their community,” Edmondson said.
Courtesy Vanessa Springett
Poway City Council District 2 candidate Vanessa Springett. (Courtesy Vanessa Springett)
Springett, 57, said she is waiting for the official election results.
“Regardless of the outcome I am proud to have run a positive campaign and I’m grateful for the support I’ve received throughout this journey,” said Springett, a mortgage broker with Avalon Mortgage.
Springett said she appreciates those who believe in her message and participated in the election process.
“Anita is a formidable opponent and regardless of the outcome I wish her well,” Springett said. “I hope we can all continue working toward what is best for Poway.”