A voter drops in their mail-in ballot at the Santa Cruz County building on Nov. 3. (Amaya Edwards — Santa Cruz Local/Report for America)

SOQUEL >> Incumbent Ariel Gray had nearly twice as many votes as challenger Andrea Locke for Soquel Union Elementary School District Area 4 in early results 8:15 p.m. Tuesday.

Vote tallies will continue to be updated throughout the night and in the coming days. Final election results must be certified by Dec. 3.

Trustees for the school district approve the budget, hire the superintendent, and help shape policies on curriculum, discipline and other matters. In Santa Cruz Local’s voter guide, both candidates described their plans to address declining enrollment, staff turnover, and possible school closures.

Gray has been on the school board since early 2024 and has served as president since December 2025. Locke challenged her in part over concerns related to LGBTQ+ content in schools.

Stay tuned for updates as election night continues.

Read more about early election results:

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