EVERETT — City Council races in Everett’s District 1 and District 4 appeared too close to call, initial returns from Tuesday’s primary showed.

In District 2, the two top candidates cruised to spots to the November ballot.

District 1

The race between five candidates aiming to represent north Everett’s District 1 was too close to call Tuesday.

Labor organizer Sam Hem took an early lead with 31% of the vote, but two candidates trailed: the general manager of the Village Theatre, Erica Weir, with 27% and consultant Mason Rutledge with 24%.

Hem and Rutledge earned significantly more in campaign contributions than the others who sought the seat. As of Tuesday, Rutledge earned $31,975 while Hem got $31,689, according to campaign disclosure filings.

While on the campaign trail, Hem said he w

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