California’s primary system, in which the top two vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation, has generated many unusual showdowns since its creation more than a decade ago.
But this system has never before resulted in a three-way runoff for a parliamentary seat.
That’s the situation facing the three candidates in California’s 16th Congressional District, in the heart of Silicon Valley, who could be up for a seat in a November runoff. In the final tally, the two primary candidates are a dead tie for second place behind him.
After nearly a month of counting, state Rep. Evan Lowe and Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian each received 30,249 votes, or 16.6 percent.
They trailed former San Jose Mayor Sam Licciardo, who received 38,489 votes (21.1 percent).
All three are Democrats and were among 11 candidates vying to replace U.S. Rep. Anna Eshoo, who chose not to run again after more than 30 years in the House.
In California, the counting process takes several weeks because the state relies on mail-in voting and gives voters the discretion to wait until Election Day to send in their ballots. All county election officials have until Thursday to certify March election results.
However, a tie for second place is not certain. Voters from any camp or precinct can request a recount, if the request is made within five days after the 31st day after the election and the fee is paid. . A complete manual recount would likely cost him more than $300,000. That means a recount could be requested by next Wednesday.
Paul Mitchell, a Democratic political consultant and political data expert, said all three camps face tough decisions. If Lowe or Simitian seek a recount, it could backfire. Each may ultimately end up paying a price for dropping out of the competition.
And Mitchell said the campaign likely doesn’t have data that clearly shows two- or three-person races are more likely to be won in November.
Still, he said, “all it takes is one wealthy, eccentric person” to get the wheels of a recount moving. “And they’re on every corner of this district.”
Both Lowe and Simitian’s camps declined to comment until the results were certified later Thursday. Mr. Ricardo’s campaign also declined to comment on whether he would request a recount.
“We welcome the opportunity to continue speaking with voters about the issues facing our community, including the high cost of living, utility and housing costs, and Sam’s long record of fighting for our residents,” Ricardo’s campaign said in a statement. Stated.
