Nelson to face Thomas in November

With about 80 percent of votes recorded, Tim Nelson has an insurmountable lead over Gerald Richard in the race for the Democratic nomination for Maricopa County attorney.

Though only 43 percent of totals votes cast Tuesday have been counted, early votes gave Nelson a more than two-to-one margin over his rival. He currently leads Richard 67 percent to 33 percent. 

That lead is little changed now that Tuesday's votes are being totaled. The Maricopa County Recorder's office, in charge of overseeing the vote counting, has declared Nelson the winner.

Nelson will go on to face inbumbent Andrew Thomas in the general election in November.

Tim Nelson is the former general counsel to Gov. Janet Napolitano, and maintained a large fundraising advantage over Richard, the former administrative director for the Phoenix Police Department, throughout the primary fight.

Nelson is expected to give his acceptance speech before midnight.