Control over Alaska’s state House rests on a single race with one vote separating the two candidates in the latest recount, which could lead to a legal battle over the results.
Republican Bart LeBon officially won 2,663 votes in the race for Alaska’s House District 1, with Democrat Kathryn Dodge winning 2,662 according to a recount that finished on Friday. LeBon and Dodge are both running to replace former Democratic Rep. Scott Kawasaki, who resigned to run for Alaska Senate.
The race had initially appeared tied, but a “mystery” ballot for Dodge was identified as a “spoiled” ballot, a ballot that a voter has made a mistake on and was improperly disposed of, and subsequently rejected. Dodge now has until Wednesday to decide on whether to launch a legal challenge, which LeBon expects her to do.
“I don’t think it’s over,” LeBon told reporters after the results were announced, according to the Juneau Empire.
“Do you? I’m pretty sure this has got another layer to it. I would be thrilled if it was over, but is this over? I just don’t think so.”
Dodge told reporters that she and her team had to “think on things” before they could decide on making a challenge. If she doesn’t, LeBon’s victory will give the GOP a slim majority, 21-19, in the Alaska House.