Two incumbents have decent leads over their challengers in the Oro Valley recall, early results show. Two other races are very close.
In the mayoral recall, incumbentΒ Satish Hiremath is leading with 50 percent of the vote, with challenger Pat Straney trailing with 43 percent.
"That's all the votes he's going to get," Straney said of his opponent at a viewing party for the challengers.
Former mayoral candidate Joseph Winfield, who dropped out of the election in an October debate had 6 percent of the vote, despite asking the public not to vote for him.
For Town Council, incumbentΒ Mary SniderΒ is has a sizable lead in her race with 50 percent of the votes, followed byΒ Shirl Lamonna with 35 percent and Doug Burke with 15 percent.
Despite Snider's early lead, Lamonna was still in good spirits.
"The night's still young," she said.
Two of the council races are very close.
In the third town council race, IncumbentΒ Lou WatersΒ has 51 percent of the vote, where his challengerΒ Steve DidioΒ is at 48 percent.
"Nothing is official until tomorrow," Didio said. "I'm good. I'm close!"
Incumbent Joe Hornat has a slight lead over challenger Ryan Hartung in the fourth race,Β with 50 percent to 49 percent.
"I'm worried," Hartung said. "Me and Steve have a chance, but Shirl and Pat, they're done."
Shortly before 9 p.m., only about 20 people remained as the results began to favor the incumbents.
"I don't drink, but if I did, I'd be having one right now," said attendee Richard Hernandez.
Pima County already has counted about 126,000 early mail-in ballots. That's out of about 306,000 ballots mailed to area voters. It's unknown how many of those ballots are from Oro Valley.
Didio, Lamonna, Hartung and Straney are all watching the results at a private viewing party at El Molinito in Oro Valley.
With the parking lot full shortly after 7 p.m. and over 50 people gathered on the patio, the restaurant was decorated with strings of flickering lights and American flags as centerpiseces on the tables.
Didio was the first candidate to arrive and said that he'd received a lot of good feedback and was feeling positive.
"If you want grassroots candidates, you vote for these guys," he said, pointing to a flier listing all of the challengers. "I think we have a good chance."
Nearly 100 people were expected at the party and Pima County Supervisor Ally Miller was in attendance.
"It's excellent," Straney said. "It's amazing to be here where I'm supported by grassroots people."
Hartung and Lamonna were also on hand for the festivities, with Hartung saying he was cautiously optimistic and believed his chances of winning to be 55 percent.
After spending most of the day going door to door, Hartung said that a majority of the people he spoke to seemed receptive.
"I'm optimistic," Lamonna said. "Your choice for a voice, that's been my motto. And tonight, they've got one."
The four incumbents and challenger Burke were all spending election night at home with their families.
The recall was initiated after the council and mayor voted to approve the $1 million purchase of El Conquistador Country Club and a half-cent sales increase to pay for improvements to the clubhouse, which is being converted to a community center.
Live results will be posted atΒ Tucson.com.
