Early returns from Tuesday's special election show Buellton City Council candidate Carla Mead has pulled ahead of incumbent Dave King with 246 votes, or 62.12% of ballots cast.

King has 150 votes, or 37.88%.

Buellton’s District 4 residents were called to vote Tuesday on which candidate will fill the empty city council seat vacated by David Silva, who defeated incumbent Dave King to become mayor in November 2024.

The outcome of the special election will determine who serves the remaining partial four-year term ending in late 2026.

The election was prompted by a 2-2 deadlock during a Jan. 23 council meeting, requiring District 4 voters to drop off ballots at designated locations in Buellton.

It is estimated the election will cost taxpayers $35,000.

Semi-official results are posted at

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