Only 67 votes separate candidates in $1.8 million race for Contra Costa supervisor

As the election unfolds, Shanelle Scales-Preston maintains a narrow lead over Mike Barbanica, with only 67 votes separating them in a potentially historic race for District 5.

Scales-Preston's campaign has received direct contributions exceeding $187,000, significantly outpacing Barbanica's $115,200. However, independent expenditures have skewed the favor towards Barbanica.

Over $1.5 million in independent expenditures have flooded the race, with Barbanica benefiting from more than $876,000, primarily funded by police-related groups.

Both candidates are confident that this election reflects a new high in financial stakes for the county, marking what could be the costliest race for a supervisor seat.

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