Branch Wins in JC First Ward

*** UPDATE 10:17 P.M. ***Jefferson City held what was suppose to be a primary election Tuesday for its open City Council spot. However, ABC 17 News checked in with the county clerk’s office who said instead, they have a clear winner.James Branch will be the new first ward councilman for the Capital City. The county clerk’s office said that if one candidate has more than 50% of the vote, there isn’t a need to have two names on the April ballot. The branch had 194 votes compared to the 23 and 28 votes of the other two candidates. Outgoing Councilman Bob Webber hit his term-limits this year and couldn’t run. *** ORIGINAL STORY ***On Tuesday some Jefferson City residents will vote in a primary election for the first ward council seat.Three candidates are looking to replace councilman Bob Webber, who is term-limited.James J. Branch, Kolbi Ward and Chris Holsman are all in the running.The top two vote-getters will advance to the April election.Polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m.