Yassamin Ansari Wins Democratic Primary Recount in Arizona

Former Phoenix City Council member Yassamin Ansari won a Democratic primary this week following a recount in Arizona’s open congressional district.
On Tuesday, the Associated Press (AP) reported that Ansari defeated her opponent by 39 votes to win the Democratic nomination for Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District.
Ansari was declared the winner of her race on Tuesday during an announcement by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Jennifer Ryan-Touhill. Ansari defeated her opponent Raquel Terán, a former state lawmaker. She will now face off against Republican Jeff Zink in the state’s primary election for the 3rd Congressional District.
On August 12, a recount process was spurred in the race between Ansari and Terán after a board of supervisors in Maricopa County certified the results of the July 30 primary election. A recount was called due to Arizona law requiring a second tally of votes if the results between the two candidates are .5 percentage points or less.
Following the July 30 primary, Ansari led her opponent by just 49 votes, which equated to a .1 percentage point lead and thus resulting in the recount.
In a Tuesday post on X (formerly Twitter), Ansari wrote: “Thank you, #AZ03!”
“Following today’s recount results, I am deeply honored to be your Democratic nominee for Congress. It’s time for us to come together and ensure we secure victories for Democrats up and down the ballot this November,” she added.
Ansari’s campaign was focused on progressive policies and a promise to fight against “MAGA extremists” on democracy and reproductive rights. She previously served as Phoenix’s vice mayor and is the daughter of Iranian immigrants.
Terán highlighted her background as a community activist, including her efforts in helping to remove Joe Arpaio from his position as Maricopa County sheriff. She also pointed to her experience as the former chair of the Arizona Democratic Party.
Arizona’s 3rd Congressional District, which leans Democratic, covers portions of Phoenix. U.S. Representative Ruben Gallego previously announced his plans to run for Senate in Arizona, resulting in his seat opening up.
Prior to the recount this week, Ansari issued a statement that said, “After today’s final vote tabulation, our campaign has maintained the lead in our race for AZ03. This close race is a testament that every vote really counts, and I could not be more proud of the dedicated staff and volunteers who organized for every single vote over the past year.
“As the daughter of immigrants who taught me how to be an organizer, I am so grateful for the thousands of voters across the district who believed in our campaign, and in our positive message of progressive results.”