Rep. Mia Love, R-Utah, appears to have lost the lead in her close contest against Democratic opponent Ben McAdams.
Earlier in the day Monday, Love had moved up by about 1,500 votes, leading by 0.58 percent. But with ballots counted from Salt Lake County, she had fallen behind McAdams by 739 votes in the evening.
Reacting to the news, polling guru Nate Silver tweeted FiveThirtyEight would be moving the race to “Likely D” for the time being, noting that “there isn’t really supposed to be a lot left out there to count.”
The race may yet end up within the margin for there to be a requested recount, which is 0.25 percent. The county results must be certified by Tuesday.
Emboldened by the numbers Monday evening, McAdams declared victory.
“What we are hearing from election officials is there just not enough votes outstanding to make a difference either way,” he said at a press conference, according to the Salt Lake Tribune. “I am eager to get to work to represent Utah’s 4th District.”
Love has not conceded the race.
With updated ballot numbers from Salt Lake and Utah counties Monday evening, McAdams leads 50.14 percent to 49.86 percent.
Latest official #UT04 results show Ben McAdams (D) leading Mia Love (R) by 739 votes. pic.twitter.com/CgKvQOUIAe
— Sahil Kapur (@sahilkapur) November 20, 2018
Love, who is seeking a third term, had been trailing in the race until the weekend when she overtook McAdams. Last week President Trump took a swipe at Love while she was behind, claiming that she lost because she showed him “no love.”
Editor’s note: Corrects recount margin details.
