CD3 Recount: Yassamin Ansari Takes the Lead

Former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari has emerged victorious in the Congressional District 3 primary, following the automatic recount results that solidified her lead. The results indicate a narrow victory over former Arizona Democratic Party chair Raquel Terán by just 39 votes, putting Ansari in a favorable position for the upcoming general election in a district that strongly favors Democrats.

The automatic recount, overseen by a Maricopa County Superior Court judge, confirmed that Ansari received 19,087 votes while Terán garnered 19,048. Initial unofficial results had shown Ansari winning by a margin of 42 votes, but the recount highlighted a closer contest, as the final count revealed a difference of only three votes.

Reflecting on her victory, Ansari stated, “When we got into this race a year and a half ago, many told me it wasn’t possible. This victory is the product of 165,000 doors that were knocked across the district.” Her campaign involved extensive outreach, including thousands of phone calls and postcards.

Terán acknowledged the recount’s outcome and congratulated Ansari in a written statement, saying, “The recount concluded this morning, and though we came so incredibly close, this time, we lost.” She emphasized that the close result underscores the importance of every vote in a democratic election.

During the campaign, both candidates highlighted their progressive platforms. Ansari touted her experience as Phoenix’s vice mayor, focusing on issues like housing, homelessness, and climate change, while Terán pointed to her efforts to repeal an outdated abortion ban as chair of the Arizona Democratic Party.

The primary race attracted significant outside spending, with accusations traded between the candidates regarding funding sources. Terán criticized Ansari for accepting dark money, specifically targeting the Protect Progress PAC, which spent approximately $1.4 million supporting Ansari’s campaign. In her defense, Ansari noted that the same PAC plans to invest $3 million in support of Senate candidate Ruben Gallego, characterizing it as a Democratic PAC backing progressive causes nationwide.

Looking ahead, Ansari will now face Republican Jeff Zink in the general election. The Arizona Independent Official Congressional Map indicates that District 3 is predominantly Democratic, making Ansari the likely frontrunner. She expressed her commitment to continue grassroots efforts, aiming to boost voter turnout for key candidates such as Ruben Gallego and initiatives like the Arizona Abortion Access Act.

“The tough part for us is over,” Ansari concluded, as she shifts her focus toward the general election and continued Democratic objectives.