Ansari Clings to Razor-Thin Lead Over Terán in Hotly Contested Congressional Race, Recount Looms

The congressional race for Arizona’s District 3 in West Phoenix remains exceptionally tight, with candidates Yassamin Ansari and Raquel Terán separated by fewer than 50 votes.

This fiercely contested seat was previously held by U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is vying for a Senate position. Although Ansari initially led on election night, the margins have now narrowed to just 42 votes, triggering an automatic recount under a new state law.

Implemented two years ago, this law expanded recount thresholds to ballots within half a percentage point of total votes cast. Both candidates acknowledge the race’s unresolved nature.

Ansari expressed gratitude to her supporters on social media late Sunday, yet emphasized the ongoing vote count. “We are still hard at work ensuring that every vote is counted,” she wrote.

Similarly, Terán urged patience and confidence in the electoral process. “Our race in #AZ03 is still too close to call,” she posted. “There are still more outstanding ballots to come.”

The winner will likely secure the general election in November, given the district’s strong liberal leaning. Democrats in the region outnumber Republicans three to one.

Both candidates tout strong progressive platforms. Terán, with 17 years in state politics and endorsements from key figures and organizations, focuses on defending abortion access. Ansari, known for her climate policies and advocacy for abortion rights on Phoenix’s City Council, aims to continue her progressive agenda if elected.