Ansari Holds Slim Lead Over Terán in Nail-Biting Az CD3 Race Recount

The West Phoenix congressional race has entered a nail-biting phase with an exceedingly narrow margin between candidates Yassamin Ansari and Raquel Terán. As of the latest count, the difference is a mere 42 votes, prompting a mandatory recount.

Both candidates are contending to succeed U.S. Rep. Ruben Gallego, who is aspiring for a U.S. Senate seat. Initial results had Ansari in the lead, but subsequent ballot counting has significantly narrowed the gap. The updated tally has brought the race within the recount threshold, as mandated by a recent law passed by the Arizona Legislature. This law, initially aimed at addressing concerns over President Joe Biden’s narrow 2020 win, lowers the automatic recount threshold to less than half a percentage point of all votes cast.

In their social media statements, Ansari and Terán acknowledged the uncertainty of the race. Ansari expressed gratitude for her team’s efforts and stressed the importance of ensuring every vote is counted. “Our work has just begun,” she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Similarly, Terán emphasized the criticality of counting every ballot. “Our race in #AZ03 is still too close to call,” she posted. She highlighted the importance of every vote, particularly in Democratic strongholds like Arizona.

Winning the nomination for CD3 virtually guarantees a victory in the November general election due to the district’s strong Democratic leaning, where left-leaning voters outnumber Republicans three to one. The candidates have therefore presented themselves as the most suitable to champion progressive policies.

Terán, with a 17-year political career, has substantial endorsements from figures like U.S. Sen. Mark Kelly and organizations such as the Planned Parenthood Action Fund. Her tenure includes roles in the Arizona House of Representatives and Senate, as well as leading the state’s Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, Ansari has made her mark on the Phoenix City Council, being its youngest elected member in 2021 and later serving as Vice-Mayor. She has been a strong advocate for climate change initiatives and abortion access rights, becoming a prominent voice in local politics. As the daughter of Iranian immigrants, her election would signify a milestone for CD3, a district that has predominantly supported Latino candidates.