The voters of Lathrop have spoken, and it appears that they are happy with the way that things are going in the city.

According to the most recent numbers released by the San Joaquin County Registrar of Voters Office, Lathrop Mayor Sonny Dhaliwal is currently cruising to a record sixth term at the helm of what has become one of California’s fastest-growing cities – securing 77.68 percent of the votes with 2,036 ballots marked in his favor.

Dhaliwal, who has served Lathrop in some capacity for more than 20 years, was already the longest-serving mayor in the city’s history and will at the conclusion of his next term be headed to 12 years as the city’s top elected official. Political newcomer John Thanh Do is currently sitting at 22.32 percent of the vote with 585 ballots cast in his favor.

For the Lathrop City Council race – of which there are two seats up for grabs – it appears that incumbents Paul Akinjo and Diane Lazard will each secure another 4-year term on the council. Akinjo currently has 40.92 percent of the votes cast with his 1,721 ballots while Lazard has secured 36.66 percent of the vote with her 1,542 ballots. First-time council candidate Christina Campoy-Laughlin secured 22.42 percent of the vote with her 943 ballots.

Much like the 2020 general election, results will not be finalized for potentially several weeks as the 1,500 election officials go through the painstaking process of making sure that every valid vote cast in San Joaquin County is counted in the final total. In order to give the team of employees and volunteers the chance to complete that process, updated vote totals will be released every Tuesday at 7 p.m. until they are declared final.

The agency has until Dec. 8 to formally certify the 2022 general election.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.