Mark Murphy, Kim Nichols and Chip Monaco lead in Orange city elections

Orange voters are mostly sticking with who they know in this year’s election for the city’s mayor and council members.

In the race for mayor, Mark Murphy is well ahead of Doug Vogel and John Russo in early voting results. Murphy, a current councilman, had served as mayor from 2000 to 2006. He was also well ahead of the others in fundraising.

The voters are choosing two council members. Kimberlee Nichols, an incumbent, and Chip Monaco are leading the field of eight.

Nichols, owner/manager of Cyrano’s Caffe, has said she wants to provide a balanced budget without raising taxes and attract new businesses to the city.

Monaco, manager with Waste Management, has also talked of advocating for business-friendly policies and has said he will oppose any tax increases.

Monaco raised more than $51,000, leading the field. But other candidates also raised significant sums of money, including Beatriz “Betty” Valencia, who raised nearly $40,000.

Check live results here.