Jeff Erlanger says losing the District 8 City Council race won?t stop him from continuing his work for Madison residents.

Erlanger lost to UW senior Austin King in a 394-to-763 vote but said he plans to stay active in the three city committees on which he serves — the Committee on People with Disabilities, the Economic Development Commission and the Peace Park Advisory.

?I?m obviously disappointed with the results tonight, but there are still important issues to defend, including affordable housing and tenants? rights. These issues don?t just go away tonight,? Jeff Erlanger said.

It was an Erlanger family affair at the election-night reception at State Street Brats. Erlanger?s mother, father and sister and a dozen volunteers gathered to support Erlanger.

?This was a great race, and Jeff got his votes for being who he is,? sister Lisa Erlanger said.

Lisa Erlanger lives in Seattle but made the trip to Madison to support her brother on the last days of the campaign. She and Erlanger?s mother both said they didn?t do a lot of work for the campaign but served as emotional supporters.

?I?m here to support Jeff. I made some phone calls, but that?s about it,? Pam Erlanger, Jeff Erlanger?s mother, said.

Campaign volunteers said they thought the race took a negative spin near the end.

?The campaign lost so much of its class in the last few weeks. Being mature doesn?t mean putting your signs up over another candidates?,? volunteer Maria Sorrentino said.

Other supporters said District 8 residents lost out when Erlanger didn?t win.

?Jeff?s going to be here no matter what; he?s devoted to the district and its constituents. Austin will be gone in two years,? Brandon Kopald, Erlanger?s personal-care assistant, said.

Erlanger said he is unsure about another run for City Council but that he would make that call in the future.

?I?ll see what happens and make that call at a more appropriate time. I will continue to serve the city,? Erlanger said.