As of Thursday evening, Hernandez leads the three-way race with 50.36% of the vote — 2,623 ballots — compared to 28.19% for Oz Puerta and 21.45% for Norma Berrellez. All seven precincts have reported. Of 20,914 registered voters in the ward, 6,076 cast ballots, with 5,208 votes counted in the race. Mail-in and provisional ballots are still being counted.
Candidates must clear 50% of the vote to win outright. If no candidate reaches that threshold, the top two finishers advance to a November runoff.
Hernandez, who campaigned under the slogan "Our Neighborhood. Your Voice. Community First."
Hernandez did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.
The race to replace Perry comes after the longtime councilmember announced his resignation during last week's City Council meeting, citing a time-sensitive family opportunity. Perry, who has represented Ward 6 since 2013, had already decided against seeking a fourth term in January. His departure leaves a vacancy that could last weeks to months, depending on when results are certified and a successor is seated.
The County Registrar will continue counting ballots through July 2, with results certified by July 10.
Hernandez did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.
More information: Updated results are available at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters website.
