Election Night Live

Austin has never seen anything like this. Ten new districts, nine new council members, one new mayor, and the future of urban rail – and that's just the start. As the results trickle in, we'll continue to update here and @ACNewsdesk.

12:44am: We're closing up shop for the night. Look for our continuing coverage tomorrow.

12:42am:

The @AnnKitchenATX camp now confident of a victory--Kitchen tells me she's "thrilled" to be part of the new, historic city council #ACvotes

— Mary Tuma (@TumaTime) November 5, 2014

12:37am: It's looking like we won't know until tomorrow which two District 6 candidates will be in the runoff. At this point it could be any combination of Jimmy Flannigan, Jay Wiley, or Don Zimmerman. Of the three Flannigan appears to be the best bet to make it, but with a lead that's dipped below 100 votes at times, he's still not a shoo-in. None of the three wanted to seem to prematurely claim victory, but each remained hopeful. While Flannigan had the endorsement of nearly all of the Democratic clubs, he's far more of a moderate than the average Austin Dem. It will be interesting to watch any of the three possible pairings. Wiley and Zimmerman would probably vie for title of True Conservative. Flannigan and Zimmerman both tend to argue for ideas that aren't always popular with their respective parties: Flannigan keeps at least one eye on cost at all times, while Zimmerman is highly critical of law enforcement. Flannigan and Wiley have both shown a high level of skill as speakers and campaigners. As far as Flannigan's concerned, if he makes it to the runoffs, he's not afraid to reclaim the word conservative from the GOP, which he believes has misappropriated a term that should mean "good governance." He's glad that Council races are nonpartisan: "When there are Rs and Ds after names, people vote their party and don't look at the candidates." – Amy Kamp

12:16am: Mike Martinez and Steve Adler are already gearing up for a final month of hard running. The race has tightened just a bit: Adler at 37%, Martinez just below 30%. As the evening closed, they reiterated their ongoing themes: Martinez to "fight for the middle class," Adler to "change the way the city does its work, going forward."

Races to watch:
District 1: Houston just under 50% – may go to a runoff by morning.
District 4: Not much change, but Casar entering runoff at 39%, Pressley at 22%.
Transportation bond -- down in flames, 58% to 42%, voters balked at the price tag.
And a touching farewell from Sheryl Cole:
"And while it will not be my privilege to go on to the runoff, it has been my privilege to serve this City. ... I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and blessed by the people I’ve gotten to know. ... I look towards tomorrow with no regrets and more blessings than you can imagine.” – Michael King

12:06am:

Tovo shutting it down @ Scholz. She's got 49.64% with a few precincts left to maybe come in post-midnight. #ACvotes pic.twitter.com/8MtiFxvzjQ

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

"We do have a lead," she says to applause. "And it's a big lead." We'll have more tomorrow. #ACvotes

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

12:04am: The latest numbers from Travis County haven’t tipped any of the uncertain races into sure-thing country. In District 1, clear favorite Ora Houston (6,304 votes) is nonetheless looking at a runoff with closet competitor DeWayne Lofton (1,848 votes). In District 6, the three frontrunners Jimmy Flannigan, Don Zimmerman, and Jay Wiley continue to be separated by less than a 100 votes, with Wiley in the lead (note: that tally does not include Williamson County voters, who also have a say in D6). And in the District 9 race, Kathie Tovo’s 9,044 votes (49.64%) aren’t enough to rule out a runoff with Chris Riley.

11:26pm:

Adler sounding confident, noting failure of "two 8-year incumbents" to reach 50% of vote. "Voters want a change" #ACVotes

— Michael King (@PointAustin) November 5, 2014

11:04pm:

TV interviews with Tovo right now sorta funny since all opinions and reactions hinge on the difference of ~50 votes. #ACvotes

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

10:50pm: The latest numbers in some races still to watch: District 6 is still a three-dog fight between Jimmy Flannigan (24.86%), Don Zimmerman (25.30%), and Jay Wiley (24.33%); meanwhile in District 9, Kathie Tovo dips below the magic line to 49.91%.

10:41pm:

Cole subdued but satisfied for "good fight" Martinez vows to continue "fight for middle class" #ACVotes

— Michael King (@PointAustin) November 5, 2014

10:38pm: It’s a nail biter in District 9. The latest numbers from Travis County nudge Kathie Tovo’s lead slightly higher to 50.05% compared to Chris Riley’s 39.03%. She'll need 50% of the vote to avoid a runoff.

10:30pm: ​At the bar of the 290 Serranos, where District 8 voters go for Happy Hour margaritas and deals on enchiladas, Ed Scruggs greeted the results – pitting him against Tea Party Republican Ellen Troxclair – with the same mild-mannered grace that won him support in his Circle C neighborhood.

"I've done a lot of work in the community," he said, referencing his work with the Circle C Democrats. "I always thought that would lead to this result, but I was cautiously optimistic."

Troxclair, who works both as a realtor and chief of staff to State Rep. Jason Isaac, credited her early lead to her campaign's strong anti-tax message, and efforts during early voting to engage the district. "I'm truly humbled and grateful for the support and our amazing volunteers, and I think the early vote totals show people are ready for a taxpayer advocate in Southwest Austin." - Nina Hernandez

10:12pm:

The @GregAbbott_TX intro video emphasizes state's ethnic diversity to one of the whitest audiences imaginable #acvotes

— Legeland (@LegeLand) November 5, 2014

10:05pm:

Mayoral candidate Mike Martinez addresses supporters. The latest numbers confirm Martinez, netting 29.52% of the vote, will face Steve Adler, at 38.06%, in a December runoff.

10:01pm:

Cheers when Tovo's numbers come across TV muted every time when those cheering realize the numbers haven't changed in an hour. #ACvotes

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

9:59pm:

"[D8 voters] wanted specifics from us," says Scruggs. "They wanted to get to know us. We had a clear message from the beginning." #ACvotes

— Nina Hernandez (@neenthirteen) November 5, 2014

9:56pm:

The latest communiqué from the Travis County Clerk includes unofficial results for ACC and AISD elections:

Austin Community College

ACC Prop. 1 Bond: The yeas have it, with 57.41% voting yes.
ACC Prop. 2 Bond: Passes at 57%
ACC Tax Rate Prop: Passes at 50.11%
ACC Trustee, Place 1: Mark J. Williams wins 54.54%
ACC Trustee, Place 2: It’s a runoff between Gigi Edwards Bryant at 32.41% and Jade Chang Sheppard at 28.27%.

AISD Board

District 1: Runoff between Edmund T. Gordon (35.5%) and David D. Thompson (28.43%).
District 4: Julie Cowan wins 78.45%.
District 6: Runoff between Paul Saldaña (35.99%) and Kate Mason-Murphy (34.57%).
District 7: Robert Schneider wins at 53.89%.
At Large Position 9: Looks like there’s a runoff between Kendall Pace at 41.27% and Hillary Procknow at 23.69%.

9:48pm:

D3's Pio Renteria says he attracted supporters by running a "grassroots" campaign; no "glossy" mailers; using less than $5K #ACvotes

— Mary Tuma (@TumaTime) November 5, 2014

9:38pm:The latest unofficial results from the Travis County Clerk:

Mayor: Adler leads with 38.43% of vote, followed by Martinez at 29.54%.
D1: Ora Houston leading with 53.53%.
D2: Delia Garza wins at 67.05%.
D3: Brother and sister headed to runoff: Susana Almanza at 20.56%, Sabino "Pio" Renteria 19.81%.
D4: Runoff between Greg Casar (38.73%), Laura Pressley (23.06%).
D5: Ann Kitchen wins with 53.69%.
D6: Still a tight race in Travis County. Don Zimmerman at 27.5%, Jimmy Flannigan at 25.75%, and Jay Wiley at 23.44%.
D7: Runoff between Leslie Pool at 31.43% and Jeb Boyt (17.25%).
D8: Runoff between Ellen Troxclair at 26.45%, followed by Ed Scruggs at 24.75%.
D9: Another possible runoff: Kathie Tovo leads at 49.73%, followed by fellow sitting council member Chris Riley at 39.88%.
D10: Stop us if you’re heard this before: Yet another runoff with Mandy Dealey (30.9%) facing off against Sheri Gallo (22.13%).
Urban Rail: Fails, with 57.90% voting no.

9:21pm:

"Right now the Texas Democratic Party has 312 paid staffers. Next week, they may not have money for the paychecks." Ted Cruz #ACvotes

— Legeland (@LegeLand) November 5, 2014

9:16pm:

"I know the results are early, but it looks like there's a whole lot of folks looking to be a lot more like Texas." Rick Perry #acvotes

— Richard Whittaker (@YorkshireTX) November 5, 2014

9:15pm:

Scruggs watch party wrapping up early. #ACvotes

— Nina Hernandez (@neenthirteen) November 5, 2014

9:13pm: Closely watched mayor's race in early vote looks to be going to runoff between newcomer Steve Adler (38%) and incumbent CM Mike Martinez (29%). Mayor Pro Tem Sheryl Cole (14.7%) conceded early, asked her opponents to "embrace diversity, not just give it lip service."

No great surprises down the Council line: Garza an easy winner in D2, more surprising in D1 Ora Houston may win outright against eight others. In D4, Greg Casar is "excited, optimistic" but "not eating breakfast until the chicken lays the eggs." He's looking at a likely runoff against Laura Pressley.

Early vote has road/rail bond (aka "Prop. 1") down 58% to 42% -- without a dramatic change on EDay, transportation bond looks doomed. – Michael King

9:10pm:

Looks like Tovo's up about 1,000 over Riley right now, and clinging to that 50%. #ACvotes

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

9:06pm: Mayoral candidate Sheryl Cole addresses her supporters, conceding defeat but urging her opponents to "keep Austin moving."

9pm:

George P Bush just took stage at @acllive to In The Air Tonight by Phil Collins #ACvotes

— Richard Whittaker (@YorkshireTX) November 5, 2014

8:57pm:

Casar 38.8% likely headed to runoff @PressleyRoxATX in D4: Waits EDay: "You don''t get breakfast until the chicken lays the eggs" #ACvotes

— Michael King (@PointAustin) November 5, 2014

8:55pm:

Jan Spider at TCDP announcing re-elected delegation, Israel, Eckhardt, tons of applause #acvotes

— Amy Kamp (@amyleekramp) November 5, 2014

Soifer: "I am so proud of Travis County." #ACvotes

— Amy Kamp (@amyleekramp) November 5, 2014

8:51pm:

Sid Miller just announced that Republicans won because they are "pro-life, pro-guns (and) anti-Obama." #ACvotes

— Richard Whittaker (@YorkshireTX) November 5, 2014

8:37pm:

I've migrated to the East side for D3 cand. Pio Renteria's election party...think I have the right house?? #acvotes pic.twitter.com/J1ZJEsk35s

— Mary Tuma (@TumaTime) November 5, 2014

8:36pm: Fox News calls it for Abbott.

8:28pm:

Mandy Dealey calls Robert Thomas an "interesting" opponent, says he sent out a mailer accusing her of smear campaign #ACvotes

— Amy Kamp (@amyleekramp) November 5, 2014

8:24pm: After early vote, Lite Guv candidate Sen. Leticia Van de Putte issues the following statement:

“I am so fortunate and honored to have had so much support from Texans all across the state. I congratulate Dan Patrick on running a disciplined campaign.

“With the deepest love, I want to thank my supporters, donors, friends, and allies. Above all, I want to thank mi familia.

“This campaign and my service have always been about securing the future for the next generation, para mis hijos y nietos.

“I look forward to continuing to serve my community and this great state. Together we will never stop fighting. We will never stop sharing our dream. And we will never give up on the promise of Texas.”

8:22pm: Chronicle photographer David Brendan Hall snapped mayoral candidate Steve Adler as early results were announced.

8:13pm: Watching the results at Sheryl Cole's party at Clive Bar

8:10pm: Here are the complete early totals for county, city, AISD, and ACC

8:08pm:

Big cheers for Garza as TV broadcasts her big lead over Edward Reyes. #ACvotes pic.twitter.com/CLZi5M7XIE

— Chase Hoffberger (@hoffberger) November 5, 2014

8:02pm:

#ACVotes Adler campaign reaction to early lead: "We're really excited -- Austin voters are looking for change" (Adler 38.5%, Martinez 29.6%)

— Michael King (@PointAustin) November 5, 2014

8:00pm:

D5 candidate @AnnKitchenATX arrives to her election night party, greeted w cheers, hugs from supporters #acvotes pic.twitter.com/KEhYiDGwNa

— Mary Tuma (@TumaTime) November 5, 2014

7:55pm: No early voting surprises in the county races. Dems Sarah Eckhardt, Velva Price, Dana DeBeauvoir, Dolores Ortega Carter, Brigid Shea, and Margaret Gomez all way ahead.

7:50pm: Strange tides flowing in Austin ISD. In early voting, one prediction has come true, with Ted Gordon and David "D" Thompson heading to a run-off in District 1. However, there's high weirdness in District 6, where long-time education advocate/district PR consultant Paul Saldaña is virtually neck and neck with former Ann Richards school teacher Kate Mason-Murphy, who ran a no-cash, word of mouth race. Even more surprising is the At-Large Place 9 race, where Education Austin's favored candidate Kazique Prince is running fourth. Kendall Pace holds a comfortable lead, but looks destined to fall short of the 50% mark, and so faces a run-off with Hillary Procknow - the UT staffer who basically suspended her campaign to endorse Prince. At least the two remaining races will avoid run-offs, with Julie Cowan up three-to-one over Karen Flannigan in District 4, and District 7 incumbent Robert Schneider holding an eight point buffer over challenger Karen Wagner. – Richard Whittaker

7:42pm: The crowd at Kitchen's election night party lets out cheers and applause after D5 early vote totals flash across the bar TV. Supporters await Kitchen's arrival – queso, chips and beer keep them company in the meantime.

Meanwhile, D3 sees some sibling rivalry: brother and sister Pio Renteria and Susana Almanza are neck and neck in early voting totals. – Mary Tuma

7:40pm: Wilco mayoral totals follow Travis County pattern. Adler at 37.21%, Martinez at 21.78%

7:34pm:

Why is @AnnKitchenATX leading? One supporter here says it's her "proven experience" (Kitchen is a former #txlege House Rep.) #ACvotes

— Mary Tuma (@TumaTime) November 5, 2014

7:30pm:

Flannigan says he's happy to see his campaign cross county lines but not surprised, issues are the same #ACvotes

— Amy Kamp (@amyleekramp) November 5, 2014

7:26pm: In Wilco D6 results, it's Flannigan in first and Wiley in second

7:20pm: Early voting results are in. Full results here.
Mayor: Adler in the lead with 38.53% of vote, followed by Martinez at 29.62%
D1: Ora Houston dominating at 53.58%, followed distantly by DeWayne Lofton at 14.67%
D2: Delia Garza at 66.42%, far outpacing challengers
D3: Susana Almanza and Sabino "Pio" Renteria neck and neck with 20.84% and 20.62% respectively
D4: Greg Casar at 38.85%, Laura Pressley trailing at 23.17%
D5: Ann Kitchen leading at 53.83%, Mike Rodriguez trails at 22.80%
D6: Very tight race. Don Zimmerman at 26.80%, Jimmy Flannigan at 26.15%, and Jay Wiley at 23.62%
D7: Leslie Pool at 31.22%, followed by Jeb Boyt and Melissa Zone
D8: Ellen Troxclair leads at 26.55%, followed by Ed Scruggs at 24.67%
D9: Kathie Tovo in the lead at 49.76%. Chris Riley at 39.94%.
D10: Mandy Dealey at 31.73%, followed by Sheri Gallo and Robert Thomas
Urban Rail: Against at 57.79%, For at 42.21%

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