Hebert Leads Reynolds in Chico District 2
Challenger Shelby Hebert holds a 400-vote lead over incumbent Kasey Reynolds as remaining ballots are counted.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Elections
Live Poll
Do you think Chico's city council is heading in the right direction?
Challenger Shelby Hebert led incumbent Kasey Reynolds in Chico City Council District 2 with 55.79% of the vote, or 1,907 votes, to Reynolds' 44.21%, or 1,511 votes, as of Wednesday morning. Vote counting in the Chico City Council races was ongoing.
Why it matters
Incumbents in several Chico council districts are trailing or holding narrow leads, which could change the composition of the city council once final tallies are certified. Residents across the city will see the outcome shape local decision-making.
As of Wednesday morning, unofficial returns show Hebert ahead of Reynolds by 400 votes in District 2, with Winslow holding 65% against Vincent's 35% in District 4. The District 6 race is separated by less than 200 votes, and the final outcome depends on ballots still being tallied.
The players
Shelby Hebert
Challenger in Chico City Council District 2 who led the incumbent in unofficial returns.
Kasey Reynolds
Incumbent Chico City Council member for District 2 trailing in unofficial returns.
Megan Thomas Petty
Challenger in Chico City Council District 6 leading incumbent Tom Van Overbeek in unofficial returns.
Tom Van Overbeek
Incumbent Chico City Council member for District 6 trailing in unofficial returns.
The details
Action News Now interviewed District 2 candidates on Tuesday night while Hebert held the lead. Incumbent Tom Van Overbeek trailed challenger Megan Thomas Petty in District 6, and incumbent Addison Winslow led challenger Tracy Vincent in District 4 as counting continued.
Timeline
Tuesday night: Action News Now interviewed District 2 candidates while Hebert held the lead.
Wednesday morning: Hebert led Reynolds by 400 votes in unofficial counts.
Coming days: Remaining ballots will be counted to determine final results.
Political Context
Chico's races follow a pattern seen in California municipal council contests, where incumbents have often trailed in unofficial counts that shift as late ballots are tallied. Challengers in these races frequently gain ground through the final count, making the eventual certified totals the decisive measure.
The outcome determines who represents Chico residents in Districts 2, 4 and 6 on the city council. Because the District 6 margin is under 200 votes, the final count could change which candidate takes the seat.
The takeaway
Close local races can turn on a few hundred ballots, so checking final certified results is the best way to know who will serve.
What happens next
Remaining ballots will be counted in the coming days, and final results for the Chico City Council districts will follow once tallies are complete.
Further reading
Explore more on Elections for the broader context behind local council contests.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Action News Now.
Live Poll
Do you think Chico's city council is heading in the right direction?
