Voters in Hollywood could cast their ballots for Nithya Raman or David Ryu at entertainment venues like the Magic Castle. (photo by Cameron Kiszla)

Los Angeles City Council candidate Nithya Raman is leading in the election for the 4th District according to unofficial vote tallies.

Wednesday afternoon, the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk’s Office reported that Raman had received 59,117 votes compared to 53,713 votes garnered by incumbent Councilman David Ryu. Both candidates said they were eagerly awaiting further revisions of the vote totals.

Raman commented on the race on Wednesday, stating she was thankful for the support of campaign volunteers and staff.

Nithya Raman, shown here in a debate in February, holds a lead over the incumbent City Councilman David Ryu. (photo by Edwin Folven)

“This is a moment of hope. While we are still waiting on the full results, there is absolutely no doubt that progress won in Los Angeles [on Nov. 3]. The incredible victories by the movements for racial, carceral, environmental and housing justice will reverberate throughout our city for years to come. I could not be more proud to be a part of these movements, and to stand with each and every resident who cast their ballots for a fairer, kinder and more equitable future,” Raman said in a statement. “When we began this campaign 15 months ago, one simple idea brought our team together: Angelenos want to help their neighbors, and all they need is for their local government to give them the tools to do so. In 15 months, our campaign brought in over 2,000 volunteers to help us tell the story of our city, of the immense powers of L.A. City Council, and the potential to curb our greatest crises. We are so proud of this coalition and so grateful to all of the volunteers and residents who resonated with our work. While we await the final vote counts, the results already show us the path to the city we believe is possible.”

David Ryu appeared at a physically-distanced, drive-in movie-style watch party at the Los Angeles Zoo on Election Day. (photo by Edwin Folven)

Ryu, who appeared at a physically-distanced, drive-in movie-style watch party at the Los Angeles Zoo on Tuesday evening hosted by the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, said the ultimate goal is to bring people together.

“America has felt too much pain. We have been inflicted with so much hate and damage, so it’s really important that our leaders, whoever gets elected, make an effort to bring everybody together,” Ryu said. “It’s a time for healing. We can only get through this if we are united as one country and united as one city. It’s not about the left and the right, the old and the young, or the haves and the have-nots, it’s about all of us sticking together. We definitely need healing in Los Angeles and we definitely need healing in the nation.”

The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerks’ Office is planning to provide additional updates on election vote totals by 4 p.m. on Nov. 5 and Nov. 6. Additional updates will be provided every weekday until final certification, which is expected to occur by Nov. 30.