It took some 44 hours, but the results are now certain: Bookstore owner Chloe Eudaly will advance to a November runoff against incumbent Portland Commissioner Steve Novick.

Early results from Tuesday's primary election showed Eudaly in third place, behind architect Stuart Emmons and Novick. But she leapfrogged Emmons when more votes were tallied a day later.

And on Thursday, a new batch of returns put Eudaly with 15 percent of the vote - giving her 2,700 more votes than Emmons and ending speculation.

"I do think that a lot of people underestimated how many people know me, and the good will I have in the community," said Eudaly, 46, who owns Reading Frenzy. "I had an existing base of supporters."

Eudaly said she spoke Thursday with Emmons, who conceded the race and congratulated her. They were among nine candidates who challenged Novick, a first-term commissioner.

"I am very happy for her," said Emmons, who raised about $120,000 in his campaign. "I have endorsed her. I will be happy to help her take this seat from Steve Novick."

Because Novick did not secure a majority of votes - he finished with 43 percent - the campaign will continue into November. No City Council incumbent has lost a re-election bid since 1992.

Eudaly, who raised just $19,000 for the primary election, said she'll increase fundraising efforts now that she has proven she's a serious candidate. Eudaly said she'll also keep pressing on issues of housing affordability and tenant rights throughout the prolonged campaign.

"I'm looking forward to some lively debates," she said.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch