India Walton has retained her lead in the Democratic primary for Buffalo mayor following the counting of absentee ballots.
The Buffalo News reports that the Erie County Board of Elections counted absentee ballots Wednesday, and it solidifies Walton's win.
Incumbent Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown received nearly twice as many absentee ballots as Walton, but it was not enough to overcome her lead. Brown received 1,002 absentee ballots, while Walton received 505.
That brings the total tally to 10,633 votes for Brown, and 11,652 for Walton. That’s a lead of 1,019 votes for Walton.
Affidavit ballots are still to be counted, but there are not enough to change the outcome of the primary, according to the News.
Walton gained the official backing of the Erie County Democratic Committee on Monday, the same day Brown announced the launch of a write-in campaign for the November general election.
Walton is a registered nurse and political newcomer who would be the first Democratic Socialist mayor of a major U.S. city in over 60 years. Brown has served as Buffalo's mayor for 16 years and is running to get an unprecedented fifth term in office.