Anna Eshoo has represented California’s 16th district for thirty years. This year she is retiring, and a whopping eleven candidates leapt into the primary race.

The Race

Of the nine democrats and two republicans, there were three clear frontrunners:

Sam Liccardo, former mayor of San Jose (D)

Evan Low, state assemblyman (D)

Joe Simitian, former state senator (D)

Liccardo came in a comfortable first with over 8,000 more votes than the runners-up.

That’s right. Runners-up, plural.

In an incredible twist, both Low and Simitian tied with exactly 30,249 votes each. For the first time in the district’s history, three candidates would compete in the general election.

A Recount

Several people requested recounts, including 16th district resident Jonathan Padilla.

Here’s where it gets complicated. Padilla stated his request was on behalf of Evan Low…but he previously worked for Sam Liccardo during his mayoral campaign and even donated to his congressional run in December.

Low’s campaign responded by accusing Liccardo of trying to undermine the election results. A spokesperson called it “a page right out of Trump’s political playbook”

What Gives?

Liccardo won by eight thousand votes, and with such a significant lead there wouldn’t be a clear benefit for him to orchestrate a recount. What was significant was that forty-five uncounted ballots were challenged in the Santa Clara County Registrar’s Office.

It’s also important to stress how improbable a perfect tie between the runners-up is – the odds are practically zero. But it could mean the difference between three candidates running…or only two.

Your Vote Matters

A recount determined seven of the forty-give uncounted ballots were valid. Mr. Low beat Mr. Simitian by five votes. He and Liccardo will advance to the general election in November. So much a three-way race.

Five votes. Imagine if they had stayed home that day. Every vote matters.