SPOKANE, Wash. — Nearly a week after Election Day, Nadine Woodward has released a statement saying she will concede in the race for Spokane Mayor against Lisa Brown.
The Spokane County elections office reports only 25 ballots left to be counted as of Monday night, with Brown still holding a sizable lead over the incumbent mayor of more than 2,800 votes.
Woodward released the following statement,
"Being able to serve the city I love as mayor has been an honor and a privilege. We embraced the opportunity in every challenge, put the community first in everything we did, and accomplished so much to advance your priorities. Spokane is an amazing place to live, raise a family, work, and thrive. It has given me and my family a lifetime of memories, and the opportunity to give back the last four years is something I will always cherish. I respect the decision of the voters even if I’m disappointed by the outcome. The election process is what makes our country truly great, and I appreciate everyone who turned out to make their vote count.
I have spoken with the mayor-elect to congratulate her and wish her well. I’ve also offered the support of my office to facilitate an orderly transition for the 2,400 individuals in the organization that will carry forward and the community they continue to serve.
I will leave office in a few short weeks enriched by the relationships I have been built, strengthened by the community’s resolve, and deeply humbled by the experience. Thank you, Spokane, for your love and support. I am forever grateful.”
The latest results from November 13 show Brown is maintaining a four-point lead over Woodward. With all 164 precincts reporting. Brown has received 51.73% of the votes, and Woodward has received 47.72% of the votes.
Elections manager Mike McLaughlin said Monday afternoon the ballots should be 99% counted by the end of the day, with the next update expected November 27. There are still some ballots coming in through the mail, including military ballots that may take longer to make it through the postal system.
"Depends just on when they come in, how long it takes to process, those type of things. Usually takes a day and a half to process a ballot," McLaughlin said.
The ballot count was not significantly delayed by a hazmat situation that temporarily shut down the office last week.
"We'd still be processing today even without that happening, just the quantity we're doing today probably wouldn't be as much," McLaughlin said.
The results are not official until certification on November 28.
For more on this year's mayoral race, click here.
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