Tacoma mayoral candidate Marilyn Strickland widened her lead after Saturday’s ballot count, but neither candidate declared victory or conceded.

First-term City Councilwoman Strickland now has a lead of 1,090 votes over architect Jim Merritt.

Strickland said Saturday that she is waiting for another set of ballot counts Monday before considering announcing victory, but said she feels positive about her prospects.

“The trend is still moving in our direction,” she said. “Unless my opponent captures 70 percent of the remaining vote, I think we’re in pretty good shape.”

Strickland had 18,293 votes to Merritt’s 17,203, with a spread of 3 percentage points. On Friday, Strickland had a 2.5 percent lead.

“We had hoped there would be a change,” said Merritt’s campaign manager, Ronnie Bush. “Obviously, that is not happening, and it’s a great disappointment.”

Merritt was not available for comment.

Strickland said that as of Saturday, Merritt has not contacted her.

“A lot of people have been anxiously waiting,” Strickland said, adding that members of her camp will “sleep very well tonight.”

Joyce Chen: 253-597-8426

joyce.chen@thenewstribune.com

BALLOT WATCH: TACOMA MAYOR

Results as of 5 p.m. Saturday:

Marilyn Strickland18,29351.42%

Jim Merritt17,20348.35%

Next ballot count: Monday at 5 p.m.