PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. — Andy Thomson was declared the brand new mayor of Boca Raton by a razor-thin margin following a Friday recount of Tuesday’s elections in Palm Beach County.
At about 5 p.m., Thomson was declared the winner of the race by 5 votes — 7,572 for Thomson and seven,567 votes for challenger Mike Liebelson.
WATCH BELOW: Andy Thomson wins Boca Raton mayoral race after recount
Andy Thomson declared winner of Boca Raton mayoral race by 5 votes after recount
During Friday’s recount, Thompson was awarded 4 further votes. Those further votes got here from a hand recount of “undervotes” and “overvotes.”
“Overvotes” happen when extra alternatives are made than allowed in a contest. “Undervotes” happen when no choice is made in that race. Elections officers mentioned these ballots are recognized throughout the machine recount and reviewed throughout a handbook recount.
Liebelson objected to these selections and will problem the outcomes. One means is by difficult the canvassing board’s resolution to award these 4 votes to Thomson or its resolution to not rely different ballots as a result of it was too obscure the voter’s intent.
Liebelson already despatched a letter to the supervisor of elections saying he meant to problem the outcomes. His crew is specializing in a gaggle of mail-in ballots added to the rely in a single day. They’re involved the dispersion of these votes appears disproportionate to the opposite mail-in ballots.
However, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link informed WPTV the late bounce is regular. Those have been mail-in ballots dropped off on the location and the final pick-ups at publish workplaces.
WPTV requested Liebelson if he plans to sue, however he mentioned he did not have a remark presently.
2 different recounts held Friday
Other recounts carried out by the canvassing board on Friday have been for the South Palm Beach Town Council election and the Lake Worth Beach constitution referendum query No. 5.
Results posted on the (*5*) confirmed that after a handbook recount, the Lake Worth Beach constitution referendum query No. 5 acquired 1,640 “No” votes and 1,638 “Yes” votes.
Following a machine recount, outcomes from the South Palm Beach Town Council election confirmed Francesca Attardi with 262 votes, Adrian J. Burcet with 237 votes, Sandra Beckett with 233 votes, Monte Berendes with 208 and Elvadianne “Elva” Culbertson 177 votes.
According to Florida legislation, the county canvassing board is chargeable for ordering machine recounts when the primary set of unofficial election outcomes exhibits {that a} candidate for workplace or a poll query was defeated or eradicated by one-half of 1 % or much less of the votes forged in that contest.
Law states {that a} handbook recount have to be ordered if the second set of unofficial outcomes, following the machine recount, signifies {that a} candidate or poll query was eradicated or defeated by one-quarter of 1 % (0.25%) or much less of the votes forged for that contest.
The Florida Democratic Party issued the next assertion relating to Thomson’s victory:
“I’m thrilled to congratulate Mayor-elect Andy Thomson on this monumental victory. Winning by a margin of just 5 votes, this race is proof that organizing everywhere and talking to every voter will make all the difference in 2026,” mentioned FDP Chair Nikki Fried. “Andy has led as a Councilman with integrity, care, and with the community’s best interest in mind. I have no doubt he will serve as Mayor with just as much heart and passionate service.
Andy’s election marks the first time in decades that a Democrat has held the seat. This victory reiterates an undeniable trend in Florida: Democrats can run and win anywhere–including Donald Trump’s backyard. Floridians are tired of the chaos, corruption, and sky high prices on everything from groceries, to gas, and healthcare. They are voting for trusted leaders like Andy to steady the ship and return common sense, people-centered solutions back to our communities.
We’re proud of Andy and his involvement with our Take Back Local program. By providing candidates with resources and on the ground support, the Florida Democratic Party continues to swing the pendulum in our direction.”
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin launched the next assertion:
“When you organize everywhere, you can win anywhere — including here in Florida. Mayor-elect Andy Thomson ran a strong campaign focused on the issues that matter most to Boca Raton voters, from the rising cost of groceries and gas to the health care crisis Donald Trump and his allies unleashed. This win is another warning sign to Florida Republicans that voters are fed up with their out-of-touch agenda that is making communities like Boca Raton unaffordable.”
