Democrat Ben McAdams wins Utah House race over Mia Love

Nov. 20 (UPI) — Democrat Ben McAdams defeated Republican incumbent Rep. Mia Love in the race for Utah’s 4th Congressional District after final vote counts were released Tuesday.

The final count showed McAdams with a 694-vote lead over Love, gaining 50.129 percent of the vote to Love’s 49.871.

The margin was just above the 0.25 percent threshold that would have permitted Love to request a recount.

McAdams declared victory on Monday after the race had previously been too close to call, stating he saw no way Love could catch up to his lead, which was 739 votes at the time. Love chose not to concede on Monday.

After the county canvasses of votes statewide on Tuesday, McAdams –the mayor of Salt Lake County — issued a statement expressing his excitement about getting to work in Congress.

“Now it’s time to get to work representing the people of Utah in Congress,” he said. “It’s time to bring people together and move forward.”

Love issued a statement thanking voters and is planning a news conference to discuss the race Monday when a state canvass will will certify final results for the multi-county races.

“Regardless of how you voted, I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for engaging in the process,” she said. “It is one of the many reasons this is the greatest country on earth. May we take this week to reflect on the countless blessings surrounding our state and country. Happy Thanksgiving.”

McAdams said he plans to focus on immigration reform, particularly the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals or DACA program, and will be committed to bipartisanship upon arriving in Congress.

“Throughout my public service, I have always worked with Republicans — being in the state Legislature and Salt Lake County. I am comfortable reaching across the aisle, as I have done frequently,” he said.

He was also one of 16 House Democrats Democrats who signed a letter eleased Monday agreeing to oppose Rep. Nancy Pelosi as House speaker.

“I declared very clearly that I think it’s time for new leadership in Washington. I am following through with what I promised and said during the campaign,” McAdams said of the decision to sign the letter. “It is time for new leadership in Washington.”