Chances of Indian-American Congressman Ami Bera pulling off yet another dramatic victory from the jaws of defeat appear to be brightening after he slashed his Republican rival’s lead in a tantalising California race to just 530 votes.
But it still remains a tantalising race, with reports indicating that more than 23,000 votes are still to be counted. A small victory margin could throw up the prospect of a recount.
Bera, who trailed by more than 3,000 votes when the counting of votes from all precincts ended a week ago, is pinning his hopes on postal and provisional ballots — as in 2012, when he was declared the winner nine days after Election Day.
“Today was a good day…. Once all the counting is done, I’m confident I will be representing Sacramento County in the 114th Congress,” Bera said in a statement.
Updated figures released by the authorities on Monday said Bera now has 75,603 votes against Republican challenger Doug Ose’s 76,133 votes. The next vote count is expected on Wednesday. Some reports put the number of ballots still to be counted at more than 23,000.
The election from California’s 7th Congressional district of Sacramento County has drawn nationwide attention after polls had correctly predicted a dead heat.
Dubbed one of the most expensive Congressional races, it also saw a last-minute boost for Bera with former President Bill Clinton personally campaigning for him and First lady Michelle Obama putting out recorded messages in his support.
Should Bera retain the seat, he will continue to be the only Indian-American in the US Congress — and only the third in its history, after fellow-Democrat Dalip Singh Saund back in the 1950s and Republican Bobby Jindal 10 years ago.