By Jeremy Duda | Axios
Mesa City Councilmember Julie Spilsbury conceded defeat in a recall election that pitted the Kamala Harris-endorsing Republican against an opponent backed by the conservative activist group Turning Point.
The big picture: The race has largely revolved around national political flashpoints, including support for President Trump and transgender policy issues.
Driving the news: Challenger Dorean Taylor leads Spilsbury by about 4.5 percentage points — 867 votes out of more than 12,000 ballots cast — in the head-to-head race.
- The results released Tuesday night, which represent the majority of all ballots cast, include mail ballots received and processed as of midday Monday.
- Maricopa County will publish additional results Wednesday.
- Spilsbury’s campaign told Axios it estimates there are around 2,000 ballots left to be counted in Mesa’s District 2.
What she’s saying: In a statement provided by her campaign, Spilsbury said serving the residents of District 2 “has been one of the greatest honors of my life.
- “Though this election didn’t end as I hoped, I remain optimistic about Mesa’s future. I believe our community is stronger when we listen to each other, work together, and lead with kindness,” she said.
