CD3 Election Drama: Recount to Decide Winner

Only 42 votes separate former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari and former minority leader Raquel Terán in the race for a congressional seat in Arizona’s Democrat-leaning District 3. Ansari, holding a narrow lead since July 30, saw her margin shrink to a tenth of a percentage point with final unofficial results on Monday.

The tight race now proceeds to an automatic recount as mandated by state law. Races qualify for a recount when the margin between candidates is equal to or less than 0.5%. After the Secretary of State canvasses the election, the office will petition the Maricopa County Superior Court for a recount. Maricopa County plans to canvass election returns on August 12, and the Secretary of State’s Office will do so on August 15.

The winner of the recount will secure the seat vacated by U.S. Senate candidate Ruben Gallego. Both candidates released statements Monday following the announcement of final unofficial results. Ansari expressed confidence in retaining her lead, emphasizing the importance of completing the vote-counting process through the recount. Terán underscored the narrow margin, highlighting the significance of counting every vote in Arizona’s democracy.

Initially, Ansari led by approximately 1,400 votes, but the margin tightened as final results were tallied. External spending influenced the race in the weeks before the primary. Terán, known for her role as a community organizer and former chair of the Arizona Democratic Party, has garnered numerous endorsements from labor groups and Democratic organizations. In contrast, Ansari’s political career began with the United Nations’ climate team before her election to the Phoenix City Council in 2021 and subsequent rise to vice mayor in 2023.

Both candidates prioritize reproductive rights and climate change. Despite their policy alignment, they clashed over financial backing during debates and public statements. Terán labeled Ansari a “millionaire landlord” and accused her of accepting donations from MAGA donors. Ansari, in turn, faced scrutiny for $1.3 million in support from the cryptocurrency group Protect Progress. Terán’s campaign saw over $1.5 million in external support from various progressive and education-focused PACs.

The final unofficial results gave Ansari 44.6% of the vote and Terán 44.5%, setting the stage for the recount to determine the final outcome.