Evan Low emerges as winner in District 16 recount, will advance to November ballot

(KRON) — California State Assemblymember Evan Low has emerged as the winner in a recount in California’s Congressional District 16 and will advance to the November general election. Results of the March 5 primary left Low in a dead heat with Santa Clara Board of Supervisors member Joe Simitian.

However, following a contentious recount, Low was declared the winner by five votes, according to a report in the East Bay Times. Low will now advance to the November general where he will face off against former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo.

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Liccardo emerged from the primary in first place by more than 8,000 votes. However, according to California’s top-two primary system, the top two primary candidates advance to the general election, regardless of party.

The initial tie between Low and Simitian created an unusual situation where three candidates would advance to November’s election to fill the seat long held by Democratic Rep. Anna Eshoo.

“We are very excited that my announcement into the general election was reaffirmed and look forward to the next eventual chapter in this race,” Low said on X, formerly Twitter. “We extend our heartfelt thanks to each voter and supporter who played a crucial role in reaching this moment.”

“I commend the diligent efforts of our election officials to provide an accurate vote count,” Liccardo wrote on X. “Despite the efforts of some to stop this recount, we should all celebrate that democracy prevailed.”

The recount was conducted across both Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.

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