Early primary returns show Democrat Mara Elliott leading the race for California's 40th State Senate District, a competitive seat that includes Santee and several other East County communities, according to East County Magazine.

With 23.2 percent of San Diego County votes counted, Elliott had 44.6 percent of the vote. Republican Kristie Bruce-Lane was in second with 29.93 percent, while Republican Ed Musgrove was close behind with 25.38 percent, East County Magazine reported.

The seat is currently held by Santee native Brian W. Jones, the Senate minority leader, who is termed out. Under California's top-two primary system, the two leading candidates advance to the Nov. 3 general election regardless of party.

The 40th District covers a wide mix of suburban and inland communities, including Santee, Escondido, Poway, San Marcos, Alpine, Lakeside, Pine Valley, Fallbrook, Ramona and Valley Center, along with several northern San Diego neighborhoods.

For Santee voters, the race will help decide who represents the city in Sacramento on issues such as housing, public safety, homelessness policy and state funding. Results are preliminary and can change as additional ballots are counted.