The race is won – Donovan Richards has declared victory, and is the new councilmember for the 31st District.
After a windy campaign road, ending with Richards and opponent Pesach Osina, the former chief-of-staff to State Senator James Sanders emerged victorious by 80 votes.
On voting day, Tuesday, February 19, both Richards and Osina declared victory. At the time, Richards was ahead by 26 votes, and over 500 ballots had yet to be counted. Counting continued on Wednesday, February 27, and many feared that results would not be known for weeks.
However, in an unofficial tally, Richards came out on top with 2,646 votes to Osina’s 2,567 – a wide enough margin to eliminate a recount, according to Politicker.
Richards took to Twitter to announce his victory and thank his supporters.
“This victory could not have been achieved without the hardwork of my campaign staff # Love You Guys,” he said.
He also congratulated Osina on a well-run campaign, and said he looks forward to working with him for the “betterment of [the] community.”
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