The state Senate race for District 26 is headed for a runoff.
With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, former state representative David Lucas had 49 percent of the vote and incumbent Miriam Paris had 46. Both are Democrats.
Political newcomer Irving Martinez had 5 percent of the vote.
The winner of the Aug. 21 runoff faces Republican Bobby Gale in November.
Tuesday night, the three candidates watched the results come in closely.
David Lucas was at his headquarters on Forsyth Road. He said he thinks that Democrats will elect him.
"The last time there was a disparity of 2,700 her way (Paris) but also Republicans crossed over," said Lucas. "It was a non-partisan election. I was beaten by Republican Districts with a 9 to 1 margin this year I think the race will be a little bit different it is a Democratic seat and that's what I am saying and Democrats will decide who will be the Senator."
At incumbent State Senator Miriam Paris's headquarters off of third street, she thanked close supporters and told them she's confident they will come out on top.
"If it comes to a run off, every race I've won has turned into a run off," said Paris. "I've become victorious at the end and I've got enough support that we're gonna make it happen."
The third candidate Irving Martinez monitored results from Roasted Cafe. While he will not be in the run-off, he said his candidacy added a lot to the race.
"Like I said, even if I don't win this election, it wasn't really about winning," said Martinez. "It was about winning the dialogue and I think I have done that in some weird way."