Official count: Jorgensen, not Blanchard, wins Houston seat

HOUSTON — Early voting ballots are counted and one of the results of one of the city council races has changed.

According to official results from the City of Houston, once city officials finished counting up early votes, insurance agent Gina F. Jorgensen pulled out ahead of city councilwoman Ruth Blanchard.

On election night, Jorgenson trailed Blanchard 87-89. But this week those results changed to Jorgensen —112, Blanchard — 97.

There were also five write-in votes and 35 votes for septic pumper Kenney D. Champ.

Elsewhere on the ballot results remained the same as election night. Mayor Virgie Thompson retained her seat — a more-or-less foregone conclusion when no one signed up to challenge her — and incumbent Alma Hartley maintained her lead over former city councilwoman Rosemary Burnett.

The city council is set to hold a special meeting Monday to certify the election and decide which of them will serve as mayor and deputy mayor.