County Executive Marc Elrich has won the Democratic nomination for a chance at a second term by 32 votes over businessman David Blair.
The county’s Board of Elections verified the election yesterday, following a recount requested by Blair after the initial results showed Elrich with a 35-vote lead.
The final count was 55,504 votes for Elrich and 55,472 for Blair.
In an email message yesterday, Blair said he called to concede defeat and congratulate Elrich.
Blair also thanked his campaign team, volunteers and supporters, writing, “no doubt we pushed the conversation forward in key areas such as early childhood education, career readiness, environmental progress, affordable housing, economic development, public safety and much, much more.”
He noted how much he has “a deep desire to give back to the community that I call home,” adding “No doubt whatever I do next will be focused on improving the quality of life for those who call Montgomery County home.”
In a statement on his campaign website, Elrich thanked the board and the election staff for their efforts.
He also wrote, “As for me, I want to thank the Democrats of Montgomery County for nominating me as our party’s candidate for County Executive. I am honored by your trust and am ready to get to work to elect Wes Moore and the entire Democratic ticket in November and ensure that Democrats win up and down the ballot throughout Montgomery County. I am looking forward to continuing our work to make Montgomery County as vibrant, successful and equitable as possible.”
Elrich will face Republican nominee Reardon Sullivan in November.
Montgomery BOE graphic