Progressives hold on to lead in Council race

Progressives continue to hold leads in all three City Council races, a newly-released vote count shows. Election results published Nov. 10 by the Butte County Clerk-Recorder’s office suggest little chance that conservatives will maintain the majority they now hold.

If progressives are able to capture two of this year’s three contested Council seats, they will become the majority. Addison Winslow, the Council’s senior progressive, said a progressive majority would hit the ground running and be less likely to concede to minority opposition.

Winslow said he hopes to focus on “tenant protections, especially those in mobile homes.” Winslow said a progressive majority would not compromise on “dignity” while navigating the unhoused crisis post Warren-settlement. 

Tracy Vincent, who ran in opposition to Winslow, conceded the race through a Nov. 4 Facebook post,

Tom van Overbeek, running for reelection in Chico’s 6th Council district, told ChicoSol he feels increasingly less confident in his reelection, but notes that there are still votes to be counted. If he were to win, van Overbeek says he could work with progressives, but expressed concern over their positions on policing and homelessness. 

Megan Thomas Petty, a progressive challenger, continues to lead that race by more than 200 votes. 

Mayor Kasey Reynolds, running for reelection in District 2, trails her progressive opponent Shelby Hebert by almost 700 votes. Reynolds was unable to be reached for comment.

Chris Hutton contributed to this story.