Erie mayoral candidates Justin Brooks and Andrew Moore were statistically tied with 50% of the vote each, according to unofficial combined votes from Boulder and Weld County on Wednesday afternoon.

Moore had a one-vote lead on Brooks at one point in the afternoon, according to unofficial Secretary of State election results.

All seven seats were open for the Erie Town Council, with 13 residents running for those seats. Voters elected two candidates per district. The district candidate with the highest number of votes serves a four-year term, and the candidate with the second highest number of votes serves a two-year term.

This is the only year where the candidate with the second highest number of votes will serve a two-year term. The shorter term creates staggered terms to avoid a full council turnover at future elections. After the 2024 election, all elected officials will serve a four-year term.

Anil Pesaramelli led the District 1 race with 35.2%. Candidates John Mortellaro and Andrew Sawusch also remained in a close race with both at 22.9% Wednesday afternoon. Richard Garcia had 18.6%.

In District 2, incumbent Councilmember Dan Hoback led the race with 29% of the vote. Incumbent Councilmember Brandon Bell and Ben Hemphill were also tied with 26.6%. Dan Maloit had 18.1%. In District 3, incumbent Councilmember Emily Baer led the race with 42% and Brian O’Connor had 37%. Candidate Travis Pinz had 21%.

Baer expressed her gratitude to voters, and thanked them for placing their trust in her to continue to serve her community. Baer was first appointed to the Board of Trustees in 2022, before the town made the transition to home rule, which is an administrative government measure that can take precedence over state law.

“I’m excited to continue with our affordable housing initiatives we’ve got going on and seeing the Cheesman Residences come online and really look to the future,” Baer said.

Baer said she hopes to continue her work helping the council develop more multi-modal transportation options.

On Wednesday afternoon, both mayoral candidates said that the race was definitely too close for comfort. Brooks said that the election results are out of his hands now, but he is happy with the campaign he ran and the work he has been able to complete with the town.

“I am still comfortable in having run a clean and positive campaign, never having lost myself in the circus that can be political season,” Brooks said.

On Wednesday afternoon, Moore said that anyone running a race that was so close would be nervous.

“If I get elected, getting to know the councilmembers and their priorities will be critical, so the hard work of building consensus can start,” Moore said.

Moore previously served as mayor from 2004 to 2010. Moore has said his return to politics after a 14-year hiatus was inspired by wanting to help the town.