Gorton, who is seeking a third term, led the seven-candidate field with 25,298 votes, or 46 percent, while Carter secured 15,615 votes, or 28 percent.
The November matchup is expected to center on several major issues facing Lexington, including housing affordability, growth and development, infrastructure, and public services
The remaining candidates finished as follows:
- Greg O’Neal — 5,073 votes (9%)
- C.E. Huffman — 3,978 votes (7%)
- Darnell Tagaloa — 2,095 votes (4%)
- Skip Horline — 1,647 votes (3%)
- Ramazani Asmani — 1,545 votes (3%)
