WARREN, Mich. (WXYZ) — Incumbent Jim Fouts has won re-election over Kelly Colegio in the Warren mayoral race.

Fouts had been behind in the race, until the absentee ballots gave him a 57.5 percent to 42.5 percent win.

In Warren, there was a lot of interest in whether Fouts would see his fourth term. The rules were changed to allow him to seek a fourth term, and this time, his challenger was someone who knew him fairly well.

Fouts' opponent, Colegio, managed Fouts' campaign when he was elected 12 years ago.

We spoke with @KellyColegio on the loss. Keep in mind she says she ran for mayor after leaked tapes that are allegedly of @MayorJimFouts saying inappropriate remarks about people with special needs. @KellyColegio has a special needs grandchild. @wxyzdetroit https://t.co/XJzkU86tqE pic.twitter.com/ovztHc3BjP — Ali Hoxie (@ali_hoxie) November 6, 2019

She said the controversial leaked recordings, allegedly of Fouts saying degrading things about special needs children, was the deciding factor to challenge her former boss because it hit home – as she has a grandchild with special needs.

"Every time I looked at that grandchild and I thought, somebody has to stand up and say it's not OK," Colegio said.

General election results are still coming in. You can find live updates here.