Tight Phoenix Congressional Race Triggers Automatic Recount in Arizona

Maricopa County is set to initiate a recount on Friday for a closely contested Democratic congressional primary. The race, which remains one of the last unresolved contests in Arizona’s most populous county, sees former Phoenix Vice Mayor Yassamin Ansari holding a narrow lead over activist and former state Senator Raquel Terán, with just 42 votes separating them.

This slim margin, representing under 0.5% of the total votes, has triggered an automatic recount as prescribed by state law. Both candidates are vying for the opportunity to represent Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.

“This close race is a testament that every vote really counts,” Ansari commented last week. “While we are confident this lead will hold, it is important to let the vote-counting process fully play out through an automatic recount, and we welcome the process ahead.”

Though a recount was anticipated as early as August 5, a state judge officially ordered it earlier this week at the request of Secretary of State Adrian Fontes. Currently, Ansari holds 19,087 votes, while Terán has garnered 19,045 votes.

Attorneys representing the county, the secretary of state, and both candidates reached an agreement on the recount terms in a Phoenix courtroom on Wednesday morning. Re-tabulation of all ballots will commence once the secretary of state’s office finalizes the statewide canvass for the remaining races. Additionally, a hand-count audit of a random 5% of ballots will take place on Saturday.

Each candidate will have two observers present: one to oversee the tabulation and another for the hand-count. The recount is expected to conclude by Monday, with Maricopa County Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill scheduled to announce the results on Tuesday at 11:30 a.m.

Ansari’s attorney, Brett Johnson, described the recount process as “harmonious.” He expressed appreciation for the collaborative efforts of all parties involved, stating, “No one’s disputing anyone’s right to be at the table.”

The certification of election results has historically been a standard yet often understated process. However, following the 2020 presidential election, several conspiracy theories regarding elections have emerged in Arizona, resulting in public mistrust. Last year, the canvass nearly faced delays when two Cochise County supervisors sought to withhold certification amidst lingering public skepticism.

Despite these challenges, this year’s primary results were certified without incident in all Arizona counties. A few automatic recounts were triggered, including in tightly contested races in La Paz and Yuma Counties.

Terán’s campaign reflects no signs of animosity toward the proceedings. “Especially in Arizona, we know that democracy is worth waiting for, and it is critical that every vote is counted,” she stated last week. Terán has a strong background in advocacy, having worked to dismantle Senate Bill 1070, Arizona’s controversial immigration law, and serving in various leadership roles within the Arizona Democratic Party.

Meanwhile, Ansari has distinguished herself as the youngest woman and first Iranian American on Phoenix’s city council, focusing her campaign on protecting vulnerable communities and advocating for housing issues. To date, she has raised over $1.8 million, supported by a network of endorsements from prominent politicians and organizations.

The winner of this Democratic primary will advance to face Republican Jeff Zink in the November general election, filling the seat vacated by Democratic Representative Ruben Gallego, who is competing for a U.S. Senate position against Kari Lake. With all 435 House seats up for election, Republicans currently hold a slight majority.