John Stokes moved closer Thursday to a seat on the Bellevue City Council, edging further ahead of Aaron Laing in a still-tight race.
With a lead of 169 votes, Stokes was ahead 50.25 percent to Laing’s 49.47 percent.
Stokes wasn’t yet declaring victory yet. “I’m excited to still be in the lead, and we’re gaining something each time. I think the trend is good,” he said.
A Stokes victory would keep council members backed by developers Kemper Wallace and Bob Wallace from widening their current 4-3 majority. Stokes was supported by light-rail transit supporters, including Wright Runstad, which plans a large development around a planned Sound Transit rail station east of downtown.
Stokes and Laing are running for the seat currently held by Grant Degginger, who didn’t seek re-election.