After a close election tally Tuesday, 7th District Councilwoman Maria D. Quiñones-Sánchez has secured her seat for another term.

Challenger Manny Morales took an early lead, but Sanchez quickly gained the majority of the district’s vote. It was a battle. But with 99 percent of the ballots counted, the councilwoman holds a reelection-affirming 54 percent of the vote.

7th District: Morales ahead with 6% of precincts reporting #PHL2015

— AL DÍA News (@ALDIANews) May 20, 2015

The councilwoman greeted her supporters at an election night party around 10 p.m., confident and relieved with victory.

“Today was a very tough day,” Sánchez said. “We knew we had a desperate opponent.”

"It's not over yet," say Manny Morales supporters waiting for results #ElectionDay #PHL2015 #NextPHLmayor #Philly pic.twitter.com/ltjaAK3OLT

— AL DÍA News (@ALDIANews) May 20, 2015

The race for the 7th district has been one of the most controversial of this election season. It began when the Democratic party once again refused to endorse the incumbent Sánchez, favoring the virtually unknown and unvetted Morales.

In March, Sánchez’ supporters released damning materials from Morales’ Facebook account that contained ultra-conservative, racist, homophobic, and anti-immigrant views. Unable to provide evidence that his account was hacked, Morales lost the Democratic party’s formal support. He continued his campaign unfettered.

On election day, Sánchez alleged that certain instances of voter fraud had occurred within the 7th district. She told AL DIA that she her office had filed an injunction against certain pro-Morales ballots being distributed outside 7th district polling stations.

.@MariaQSanchez arriving at her victory party after defeating Manny Morales #ElectionDay #PHL2015 #Philly pic.twitter.com/0co4MtkZD5

— AL DÍA News (@ALDIANews) May 20, 2015

This marks her third term won without the support of the city’s Democratic party.