In the close race to represent San Diego County’s third district, Steven Danon has officially stepped down, congratulating Dave Roberts on his victory.
Last week, less than 2,000 votes separated the two candidates, with Roberts in a slight lead. However, the latest count shows Roberts further ahead with about a 2,800-vote lead.
According to Élise Dufresne, Danon's spokesperson, Danon called Roberts this morning to concede.
"It was very amicable," Dufresne said. "It was a wonderful conversation."
Roberts Tweeted after the phone call to announce the news.
Steve Danon just called & conceded to me in my race to be the next 3rd District County Supervisor! Thanks everyone for your great support!! — Dave Roberts (@DaveRobertsSD) November 15, 2012
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On election night, Roberts, a Democrat, gathered with volunteers to thank them and the voters but was hesitant to claim victory outright.
"I’m very optimistic about the results, the election results still are not certified yet," Roberts said. "We don’t want to count our chickens before they hatch."
The two-decade incumbent, Pam Slater-Price, is retiring from the public sector, paving the way for the board's first new member since her first term in office 20 years ago.
Danon is a Republican and is Congressman Brian Bilbray's chief of staff, currently on unpaid leave of absence.
The race is nonpartisan, but Roberts' victory follows a nationwide trend in late Democratic victories.
Check back for updates on this story.
