Although more than 100,000 absentee ballots remain to be counted in the nationally-watched special U.S. House race in California’s 25th District, Democrat Christy Smith conceded defeat late Wednesday to Republican Mike Garcia.
“While it’s critical we ensure every vote is counted and recorded,” State Assemblywoman Smith tweeted, “we believe the current tally shows Mike Garcia is the likely victor in the May 12 special election. As such, I’d like to congratulate him.”
With roughly 143,000 votes counted last night, first-term candidate and former U.S. Navy pilot Garcia held a handsome 56 to 44 percent lead over Smith.
Absentee votes have recently favored Democrats in U.S. House races in the Golden State. But, with more than 100,000 voters requesting absentee ballots in the Los Angeles County district, 44 per cent were from registered Republicans, 33 per cent from Democrats, and the remainder from “Declined to State” (Californian for Independent).
Garcia is expected to be sworn in by Speaker Nancy Pelosi once his win is certified, although it is not clear whether this will be in the traditional ceremony on the House floor or through some virtual arrangement.
Assuming his lead holds up and he is sworn in, Garcia will be the lone Republican in the House to represent a district in which Hillary Clinton drew more than half the votes in 2016.
John Gizzi is chief political columnist and White House correspondent for Newsmax. For more of his reports, Go Here Now.
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