Incumbent Douglas Crane, newcomer Heather Criss leading in Ukiah City Council race

arly votes are showing a tight lead for two Ukiah City Council seats. Incumbent Douglas Crane and political newcomer Heather Criss are leading the charge among six candidates, according to early results Wednesday morning.

Crane is holding his seat with 25.2% of the vote. He's served on the city council for over 20 years.

Newcomer Heather Criss is on the verge of ousting incumbent Josefina Dueñas with 26.2% of the vote to Dueñas' 14.5%. Dueñas serves as mayor.

Criss is a program administrator for Mendocino County Public Health. She earned endorsements from SEIU Local 1021, the Mendocino Women's Political Coalition, North Bay Labor Council AFL-CIO and the Ukiah Daily Journal.

Criss and Dueñas are trailed by business owner John Strangio with 14.1% of the vote, teacher Jacob S. Brown with 11.1% and Reiki practitioner and life coach Kristina Mize with 8.5%. These figures will change, as only 28.5% of the vote is in.

Winners of the election will go on to serve four-year terms starting Dec. 1. Councilmembers have the opportunity to serve as mayor on a rotational basis.