Stephanie Bazan has received 29% of the vote, followed by Ryan Alter with 24%.
"With early votes reported, I'm really thrilled to see our hustle [paid] off, and the people in South Austin are seeing what we are trying to build," Bazan said. “I really have a fire in my belly to fight for my kiddos. ... I want them to see themselves in the future of Austin, and I want that for others.”
Alter was not immediately available for comment.
To win, one candidate must receive more than 50% of the vote, or the race will head to a runoff Dec. 13.
Citywide, the Austin mayor and five council seats are open, and several have the potential of a runoff.
All Austin City Council election winners will be sworn in Jan. 6.
In campaign spending for South Austin's District 5, Aaron Velazquez Webman led the pack, followed by Alter and Ken Craig with $135,259, $80,315 and $73,850, respectively.
All election results are unofficial until canvassed. Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to see results from all local elections in your community.
