The count continues

In the hotly contested race for the 21st Congressional seat, David Valadao holds a slim lead over incumbent TJ Cox, with a lead of about 4,500 votes.

It was a much different race on election night, when Kern County's votes put Cox ahead by several percentage points. But, with the district encompassing Kern, Tulare and Kings counties, the support for Valadao in Kings and Tulare counties overwhelmed the 60% of Kern County voters who voted for Cox.

Valadao leads Cox as of press time by a 51 to 48% margin. This is after a race that saw each candidate question the other's honesty and integrity in a series of negative ads.

Rudy Salas retained his seat in the 32nd Assembly District, beating challenger Todd Cotta with 57% of the vote. Cotta did well in Kings County, but Salas' support in Tulare and Kern County made up for those numbers. Salas collected over 70% of the vote in Kern County.

In the only contested race in the Richland School District Board, Board President Deanna Rodriguez-Root beat Julian Armando Calvillo with 52% of the vote. Calvillo had a strong showing, with around 48% of the vote.

Current Board of Trustee members Tammy Rubio-Criswell and Cain Maldonado ran unopposed in their trustee areas.

In Wasco, the City Council elections are by district, instead of using an at-large system. In the most hotly contested district, William David Ward outpointed Vincent Martinez in District 2 by 11 votes.

In District 4, Tilo Cortez Jr. has a 52 to 48% lead for the council seat over Eddie Saldana. Incumbent Alex Garcia ran unopposed for District 5.

Current Mayor Tilo Cortez, Jr. told The Wasco Tribune that he is happy so many people took an interest in running for office.

"As a community, we need to come together to share ideas and put in the work needed to make our city the best it can be," Cortez said. "My hope is that everyone involved in this election stays involved, regardless if they get elected or not. Together we are stronger. Stay safe, Wasco!"

Under school districts, Randy Bloemhof won the Maple School Board with almost 78% of the vote to Ty Roger's 22%.

For the Wasco Union High School District board, John Steward and Sharon Nichol won with 43% and almost 35%, respectively.

The Measure H vote was shot down by voters, 51% to 47%. The measure would have authorized the Wasco Union School District to issue up to $16 million in bonds with bond revenue going to fund improvements in schools, health, safety and security, restrooms and facilities, as well as a master kitchen.