With 34 ballots left to count, Elrich leads Montgomery Co. executive Democratic primary
With 34 ballots remaining, election officials in Montgomery County, Maryland, plan to return Sunday to count the remaining votes, which will be vital in the Democratic primary race for county executive.
The Democratic primary race for Montgomery County executive remains too close to call as election officials in the Maryland district prepare to count the final 34 ballots Sunday.
After a day of canvassing and counting provisional ballots, election workers were sent home Saturday night with incumbent Marc Elrich leading challenger David Blair by just 42 votes. Elrich had 39.2%, with 55,469 votes. Blair had 39.17%, with 55,427 votes.
Elrich declared himself the winner late Saturday night, saying in a statement that he was honored to become the Democratic nominee after a long and “certainly exciting” primary.
“Now, with the results certain, we must work together to ensure Montgomery County remains solidly Democratic and turns out for Wes Moore and our entire Democratic ticket,” he said.
I am honored to be the Democratic nominee for County Executive. I want to thank the voters. I love this county and care about our residents so very deeply. This primary has been a long journey. Thank you also to @777Vote staff for your tireless work. pic.twitter.com/Fq9eaV9vyy
— Marc Elrich (@Marc_Elrich) August 7, 2022
Blair has not commented on the election results or if he plans to call for a recount. Under state election law, the trailing candidate can request a recount within three days of the certification of the vote.
This year’s close race is a repeat of the last Democratic primary for county executive, where in 2018, Elrich edged out Blair by just 77 votes.
State election officials told WTOP they hope to have completed and certified Maryland’s primary election votes by Aug. 12.
WTOP’s Juan Herrera and Kate Ryan contributed to this report.
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