Naindeep Singh expanded his narrow lead over Rob Fuentes in Fresno’s closest City Council contest Thursday, according to updated election results released by Fresno County.

Singh led the District 1 race with 5,299 votes, or 50.96%, while Fuentes had 5,100 votes, or 49.04%. The 199-vote margin was up from the 16-vote advantage reported Wednesday.

Joaquin Arambula remained ahead of Keshia Thomas in District 3, while Ariana Martinez Lott held the largest lead among the three contests over Nav Gurm in District 7.

Singh Builds on Slim Advantage

The District 1 contest has shifted since the first election night results, when Fuentes led with 51.91% of the vote. Singh subsequently pulled ahead and increased his advantage with Thursday’s update.

Singh, a Central Unified trustee, and Fuentes, a State Center Community College District trustee, are seeking to replace Councilmember Annalisa Perea, who ran for state Assembly.

Thursday’s results showed 10,399 votes cast for the two candidates.

Arambula Leads Thomas by 532 Votes

In District 3, Arambula had 3,442 votes, or 54.19%, compared with Thomas’ 2,910 votes, or 45.81%, giving him a 532-vote lead.

Arambula’s share declined from the 55.7% reported in the initial election night results.

The outgoing state assemblymember and Fresno Unified trustee are competing to succeed Councilmember Miguel Arias, who is termed out. The district includes southwest and downtown Fresno.

Martinez Lott Widens Percentage Lead

Martinez Lott led Gurm with 4,172 votes, or 56.48%, to his 3,215 votes, or 43.52%, a margin of 957 votes.

Her share increased from the 54.95% reported in the early election night count. Martinez Lott, a community organizer, and Gurm, an attorney and political consultant, are running to replace Council President Nelson Esparza, who is also termed out.

Gurm conceded the race to Martinez Lott on Wednesday, congratulating Ariana Martinez Lott as ballot counting continued following Tuesday’s election.

The figures reflect Thursday’s update, with ballots continuing to be counted.

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