Danene Sorace’s message of experience and continuity prevailed in Tuesday’s Democratic mayoral primary in Lancaster.

Sorace, endorsed by Mayor Rick Gray as his chosen successor, finished ahead of Norman Bristol Colon and Kevin Ressler. She will be her party’s candidate in the November general election.

"I’m grateful for the support of the Lancaster city voters who came out today," Sorace said.

She said she feels "a weight of responsibility" to carry her campaign’s message forward: "And I will."

"We’ll celebrate tonight and get to work tomorrow," she said.

With all 40 precincts reporting, the results were:

• Danene Sorace: 2,010

• Kevin Ressler: 1,256

• Norman Bristol Colon: 1,012

In November, Sorace will face Republican Cindy Stewart, who was unopposed, and independent candidate Tony Dastra.

Meanwhile, in the city’s Democratic City Council primary, three of the four endorsed candidates prevailed, including incumbent Pete Soto.

Janet Diaz, who was not endorsed, had the second-highest vote total. Andrew Whalen, who had the party’s endorsement, did not win the nomination.

With all 40 precincts reporting, the results were:

•Ismail Smith-Wade-El: 2,445

• Janet Diaz: 1,916

• Faith Craig: 1,658

• Pete Soto: 1,498

• Matt Johnson: 1,439

• Andrew Whalen: 1,168

• Noah Miller: 1,065

• Willie E. Shell, Sr.: 718

• Marquis Lupton: 549

There were two declared Republican City Council candidates, Frank Cabanas and Paul Culbreth, who will move onward to the November election.

Sorace had portrayed herself as someone who would build on the progress made by Gray’s administration.

The City Councilwoman and consultant stressed her public policy background and her experience, particularly as head of council’s finance committee.

In February, the city Democratic Committee endorsed her. A month later, Gray, who is stepping down after three terms, personally endorsed her as well.

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Asked Tuesday what she thought made the difference she said: "Experience."

“I have demonstrated knowledge and know-how, and a work ethic focused on getting things done,” she said.

She said she thought the contest between her, Bristol Colon and Ressler did a good job of highlighting important city issues "we all care passionately about."

"I took nothing for granted," she said. "This race was going to be tough, and it was."

Sorace, 44, will contest the fall election with a significant advantage: Lopsided voter registration numbers. The city's electorate is roughly 60 percent Democratic, 20 percent Republican and 20 percent other.

Ressler positioned himself as the candidate of change, who would make alleviating poverty and inequality the centerpiece of his administration.

Many people want a new direction for Lancaster he said. They are crying out for change, "and I believe and trust that Danene is someone interested in listening to them," he said.

He said he’s proud of running a nontraditional campaign, one that energized parts of the Lancaster community that often feel passed by.

Bristol Colon’s campaign slogan was “One Lancaster.” The bilingual Puerto Rican native pledged to build the most diverse administration in city history, one founded on “unity, social justice and equality.”

"We ran an amazing campaign that I am very proud of," Bristol Colon, 41, said. “I think we developed a sense of urgency in the Latino community to make their voices heard.”

“I was ready for Lancaster," he said. "Possibly, Lancaster was not ready for me.”

Ressler and Bristol Colon both said they plan to stay actively involved in the city.

Ressler, who turns 33 this month, would have become Lancaster’s first black mayor and its youngest ever.

Bristol Colon would have become the city’s first Latino mayor. If elected, Sorace will become its second female mayor, after Janice Stork, who served two terms from 1990 to 1998.

In addition to the mayoral and council races, city Democrats also faced a contest in the nomination for city treasurer. Chris Ballentine, who had the party's endorsement, easily defeated Vincent Derek Smith.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, the results were:

• Chris Ballentine 2,275

• Vincent Derek Smith 1,082

Off-year primaries typically have light turnout, and Tuesday appeared to reflect that.

Poll workers at several city voting sites reported a light morning turnout. At the Bright Side Opportunity Center on Hershey Avenue, workers said 30 to 40 primary voters had turned up by 9 a.m., mingling with others coming for classes or to drop off children at day care.

Sorace supporter Chad Martin of South Shippen Street said he gives credit to all city candidates for getting out to meet the people and spread their messages.

For Martin, the key issues in the city include neighborhood development, poverty and employment issues, and public engagement.

Tywan Goodley, of Howard Avenue, said he wants the next mayor and city council to focus on providing "good things" for young people to do in the city — alternatives, he said, to the gang lifestyle that is too often tempting young people into negative paths.

"There need to be some changes," Goodley said. "The city's growing, and we have a lot of young people who are coming into the city. We need more going on for all types of culture."

LNP Staff Writer Tom Knapp contributed to this report.