Challenger Kyle Imler leads in the Grays Harbor District Court position 1 race with 54.22 percent of the votes cast. Incumbent David Mistachkin trails with 45.78 percent of the vote. About 1,353 votes separate the candidates with 16,035 votes counted thus far.

Imler and Mistachkin were two of the candidates selected for possible appointment to the District Court seat in 2014, when Superior Court Judge Gordon Godfrey retired and District Court Judge Stephen Brown moved up to Superior Court. Mistachkin received the appointment to the District Court seat and has held office since January of 2015.

Imler said it was much too early to say anything definitive.

“I’m very glad for what the results currently show and I’m thankful for everybody who helped me,” Imler said.

Mistachkin was not available for comment.

About half the ballots have been counted in Grays Harbor County. The next ballot count will be Thursday, Nov. 10.