Nick Richardson is acting like a councilmember-elect, and the latest return numbers validate his confidence.

Richardson, the Marine reservist/safety consultant, maintained his lead for Fresno City Council District 6, which covers northeast Fresno. He briefly met with four city councilmembers this week and unofficially named Nicole DeMera as his chief of staff. She is the current chief for Garry Bredefeld.

Fresno County released its latest election figures Friday afternoon. Richardson leads attorney Roger Bonakdar by 861 votes, 51.37% to 48.63%.

Friday’s vote update added 327 votes, breaking 51% to 49% for Richardson. It follows the trend of Richardson stretching his lead with each update.

It does not appear there are enough votes remaining to change the result. Richardson would succeed Bredefeld, who is termed out and won election to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors.

Bonakdar outraised Richardson 8-to-1, and attained more prominent endorsements. Despite those roadblocks, Richardson walked and knocked, met with several groups, and is poised to complete a stunning local political upset.

The city council term starts Jan. 7.

The overall voter turnout for Fresno County is at 62.7%. The final total will be well below 75% from the November 2020 presidential general election.

Few Votes Remain

Fresno County Clerk/Registrar of Voters James Kus estimates 5,590 votes remaining countywide, with an additional 4,800 ballots accompanied by improper signatures. The next update will be Wednesday, Nov. 27.

The troubled ballots can be cured by Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. Kus estimates certifying the election on Dec. 3.