BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — Polls closed Tuesday night, and voters in Bakersfield are now waiting for the final results that will determine the Ward 4 City Council member.

Incumbent Bob Smith is trailing behind challenger Ryan Crowl by over 18% of the vote as of 10 p.m.

Smith has been serving on the Bakersfield City Council representing Ward 4 since 2012. 

During his time on the Council, Smith has worked to improve the local economy and boost Bakersfield resident’s quality of life in the fourth Ward. 

Crowl, his challenger, has raked in the endorsement of Rep. Vince Fong and Senator Shannon Grove, along with local groups like Bakersfield police associations.

Crowl is an aviation businessman and pilot who has lived in the 4th Ward for 18 years. 

The two previously met on the KGET debate stage where they sparred over the city budget, money channeled into the city under Measure N and the controversial sewer rate increase imposed by the current city council. 

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