In a crowded race to fill a vacancy on a prominent Silicon Valley education board, one contender has emerged as a clear frontrunner — and is positioned to win the seat.
In a special election Tuesday, initial returns show Clay Hale, 28, leading his closest competitor to represent Area 7 on the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District Board of Trustees.
As of Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., Hale continues to lead with 47.05% or 2,211 votes. In second place, Lisanna Dominguez earned 31.11% or 1,462 votes. Stephen Eckstone was third with 8.68% or 408 votes. Diego Barragán was fourth with 8.66% or 407 votes, and Anthony Macias was in fifth place with 4.49% or 211 votes. The county elections office reported 75% of precincts were counted.
“As a local teacher, community member, and neighbor, I appreciate your dedication and support,” Hale wrote on social media after the results were posted. “Your encouragement has brought us closer to bringing a teacher’s perspective to the San Jose-Evergreen Community College District. We are optimistic about tonight’s lead and look forward to election updates tomorrow.’
As expected in a special election, voter turnout remains low at 16.3% as of Wednesday with 13,662 ballots cast.
Dominguez, who is a leader at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, had not yet conceded but said she’s remaining optimistic.
“I am proud of the campaign we ran and I appreciate all the support I’ve received,” she told San José Spotlight late Tuesday. “I’m excited to continue watching the returns until every vote has been counted.”
Hale is an East Side Union High School District teacher and East Side Teachers Association Union site representative. He advises high school students in a dual enrollment program partnered with Evergreen Valley College. As a first-generation college student and gay man, he said he’s an advocate for change. He netted endorsements from California Assemblymember Alex Lee, former Santa Clara County Supervisor Ken Yeager, East Side Teachers Association, Faculty Association of California Community Colleges and San Jose-Evergreen Federation of Teachers.
He was also endorsed by the Silicon Valley Young Democrats who touted his commitment to grassroots advocacy.
Hale previously told San José Spotlight he wants to increase community college student transfers and graduation rates, establish community partnerships and ensure funds support student success. He also wants additional campus resources for mental health support and on-campus housing solutions for students, faculty and staff.
“As a teacher I know what it takes to support our students,” he told San José Spotlight in July. “Many of our students are first-generation college students. I want to make sure they feel supported navigating the community college process. I have the direct experience it takes as a college advisor on Evergreen Valley College’s campus to aid in student success.”
The Area 7 seat, which includes downtown San Jose, Guadalupe Washington and the Spartan Keyes neighborhoods, became vacant earlier this year after former trustee Omar Torres won his race for San Jose City Council. District leaders chose to hold a costly special election instead of appointing a replacement or waiting for the regular November 2024 election.
