Polls closed at noon yesterday and progress results showed the former New Zealand Idol so far had 2293 votes — 900 ahead of second-placed former councillor Graham Lewis with 1393 votes.
They were followed by David Meades with 1367 votes, Lisa Tou-McNaughton with 1295 and Asha Dutt with 1292.
There were 248 special votes and 1673 ordinary votes yet to be counted.
Speaking yesterday to the Otago Daily Times, Mr Broad said he did not want to jump the gun.
He even met the Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark during the interview who congratulated him on the result.
"I’m feeling good, but I’m not celebrating too early. I’ll hold the gin until we see how things go on Tuesday.
"There’s still many votes to tally ... But it is exciting. And to feel that level of support at this point is just, it’s a real cup filler."
He felt pride in his campaign and he felt gratitude towards the other candidates.
With a degree in politics, Mr Broad said local government and the community had always been his passions.
"I think it’s a really important time for our city in terms of progress ... There’s exciting things happening but there’s also a lot of distraction at the moment as well.
"So I think it’s a really important time to muck in, work with a core group of councillors that I really believe we are doing a good job and want to deliver well for our city.
"So now felt right [to] get in there, muck in, and be a part of some really cool things that are happening in our city right now."
While Mr Broad did not want to celebrate, the other four candidates in the race did not want to lose hope but felt the result was pretty much final.
Mr Lewis congratulated Mr Broad for the campaign.
Ms Dutt, who was the partner of former mayor Tim Shadbolt, shared the same feelings.
"The battle is not lost. I’m well aware there will be a lot of people on council who are quite relieved I’m not there ... I think for a first run against someone with a major media profile I’ve done incredibly well. I absolutely ... [am thinking of] standing again — watch that space."
With 1921 votes still to be counted, final results were expected on Tuesday.
The elected councillor will replace former councillor Nigel Skelt, who resigned after a sexual harassment scandal in May.
