(UPDATED) Spano Top Vote-Getter in SLP Primary

and received the most votes in Tuesday's St. Louis Park City Council primary, and the two will advance to the general election on Nov. 8.

finished in third and was eliminated from the race.

The unofficial vote tally was as follows:

Spano: 663 votes

Johnston-Madison: 479

Brausen: 323

(Results will remain unofficial until city canvassing on Thursday at 5 p.m.)

Spano, who was celebrating the victory at when reached by phone Tuesday night, said he was humbled and honored by the results.

"I'm really grateful to the people who got out there and voted," he said. "This has been a great experience."

But he added, "It's only one step."

Spano also congratulated Brausen on a well-run campaign.

"He really brought a lot to this race," Spano said.

Though Spano will now be facing off with Johnston-Madison directly, he said his general approach will remain the same.

"I'm not running against anyone," he said. "I'm running for folks."

Johnston-Madison also said she would be doing much of the same in the next few months.

"Campaigning is about consistency," she said. "You just keep moving forward."

She added that she wasn't too worried about coming in second on Tuesday, noting that a lot can change between now and the general election.

Like Spano, Johnston-Madison praised Brausen's effort in the race.

"He's really a fine gentleman," she said.

Brausen said he was a little sad about the results, but added that he honestly enjoyed his first run for office.

"It was a wonderful experience," he said. "I enjoyed it immensely."

The candidate said he didn't have any real regrets about his campaign, adding that he assumed the two winners simply outworked him. He added that he plans on supporting Spano moving forward.

Brausen said he's not sure if he will run for office again in the future, but his initial answer makes it appear doubtful.

"I'm 58 years old. It takes a lot of energy to run a campaign," he said. "I'll find other avenues to serve my community."

In addition to the race between Spano and Johnston-Madison for the council's "at-large B" spot, two other council spots will be on the ballot Nov. 8—incumbent Mayor Jeff Jacobs is unopposed in his re-election bid, and is facing for the "at-large A" seat.

The St. Louis Park School Board will also be on Nov. 8.