McCleary Mayor Brent Schiller likely has earned himself four years at the helm, leading challenger Jared Berken by almost double the votes in a preliminary count on election night.

Schiller earned 124 votes, or more than 65.5 percent, while Berken earned only 65 votes, more than 34 percent.

Looking at the race by percentages, Schiller has a significant lead, however, the two are only separated by 59 votes. During the primary election, Berken had been tied with former mayor Gary Dent but eventually overtook him as additional ballots were counted before the election was certified.

Schiller was appointed as mayor in 2015 after Dent’s abrupt resignation.

Berken, a police officer for a law enforcement agency in Grays Harbor County, saw his eligibility to hold office called into question after he had filed. Neither his candidacy nor the primary election results were officially challenged and Berken continued on into the general election.

McCleary Council

Several McCleary city council races were on the general election ballots. Of the candidates vying for positions, only Ben Blankenship was an incumbent. All other council members with expiring terms did not file for re-election.

Blankenship is defeating challenger John Dunning as of the preliminary count. Blankenship has 127 votes (nearly 70 percent) and Dunning has only 55 votes.

Gary Atkins is losing to Brycen Huff. Huff has 135 votes (more than 70 percent) and Atkins has 56 votes.

Jaron Heller is defeating Eric J. Hart. Heller has more than 61 percent (with 113 votes) compared to Hart’s 38 percent (70 votes).

Joy Iversen was uncontested and received 161 votes.

Another ballot count is scheduled for Nov. 8. The election will be certified on Nov. 28.