California Candidate Who Died While Campaigning Poised to Win Election 2 Months Later

A California political candidate is on the verge of winning an election more than two months after his death.

Bruce Giudici, who died while campaigning for a seat on the Calaveras County Board of Supervisors, is leading his opponent by nearly 500 votes, according to a report published by People on Thursday, November 12.

Giudici, who was 68 when he died, received 2,002 votes, or 57.09 percent, compared to 1,505 votes for his opponent, Clyde Clapp, according to unofficial election results, the outlet reported.

The candidate died on August 31, one day after suffering a serious head injury while knocking on doors in Valley Springs, California. Campaign volunteer Carrie Biggs-Adams explained that Giudici had walked up a steep driveway when he fell.

“The brain bleed was too significant to resolve medically, and he passed away early on Monday,” she said, per The Union Democrat

Despite his death, Giudici’s name remained on the November 3 ballot, and his campaign continued encouraging voters to support him.

“Bruce was a man who cared deeply about Calaveras County and believed District 5 deserved honest, ethical, accountable leadership,” his campaign wrote in an August 31 Facebook post.

“Bruce’s fight will not end today,” the post continued.

“We felt very strongly that Bruce had wanted to do this, and that was his mission. And our goal was to finish his mission,” Biggs-Adams said, the outlet reported.

Even Giudici’s former opponent and current supervisor, Ben Stopper, supported his candidacy after his death.

“He’s the best guy for the job, even in this situation, unfortunately,” Stopper said, per The Union Democrat.

According to the article, if Giudici’s victory is confirmed, California’s governor will appoint someone to fill the vacant seat until a successor is elected.

Election officials are expected to release updated results on Friday, November 13.