The highly contested race for the local Magisterial District Judge seat has taken a favorable turn for the incumbent, as Montgomery County continues to work their way through thousands of mail-in votes that have yet to be counted.
Late Wednesday night, incumbent Democrat Judge Ed Levine saw a sizeable jump in votes via a pair of ballot updates from the county. By 10:30 p.m., a nearly 500-point lead for Republican challenger Pat Hanrahan had been flipped to a 641-point lead for Levine.
At this time, it is unclear how many mail-in ballots remain from the district, and whether there are enough to further impact the race. As it currently stands, Levine has received 80.2% of the 3,055 mail-in votes that have been counted, and his lead of 641 votes represents approximately 5.3% of all ballots cast and counted to date.
Hanrahan had held the lead since Tuesday, minus the initial early count of mail-in votes. With 100% of in-person precincts reporting on election night, Hanrahan had built a nearly 500-vote lead by pulling approximately 57% of the in-person vote. Unofficial county election results show Hanrahan taking the in-person vote 5,164 to Levine’s 3,960.
On Thursday morning, Hanrahan acknowledged the change in
numbers on his campaign’s Facebook page, adding they were trending in a
non-favorable direction. In response to questions from North Penn
Now, Hanrahan described recent days as a "roller coaster ride," while
also being critical of the county’s handling
of a pair of issues with mail-in ballots that have delayed the final vote
tallies.
“Since the results came out late Tuesday night, I think it’s been a roller coaster ride for both sides with regards to our emotions and feelings — and not just for ourselves but for our supporters, as well. But the energy and support at the polls was incredible on Tuesday,” said Hanrahan. “I believe the residents, not just from the North Penn area community but across Montgomery County, deserve better. The ballot problems, delays, and release process undoubtably will challenge the integrity of this election in many races across the county. Like all residents in the area, I’m looking forward to the official results being posted.”
When reached for comment, Levine said his campaign was encouraged by the turn of events, but was cautious to not jump the gun regarding potential outcomes.
“As a judge, I know you cannot make a decision until all the evidence is submitted and all the facts are in. In this case, I have no official comment on the results other than we are encouraged by the numbers so far,” Levine said. “As for my physical and emotional state, and the events over the last 48 hours, I can only say that this was an extremely difficult and grueling experience, and I am sure my opponent was wrought with the same feelings. We are bonded in the experience that no others can truly understand but us as the candidates.”
Like Hanrahan, Levine pointed out his disappointment in how the vote count has played out and the issues and delays that have surfaced, but he also reaffirmed his belief that the election is being conducted fairly and each vote will be counted.
“While I am disappointed in how the public was informed and how the process was handled, I am extremely confident in the veracity of the election and the results whatever they may be,” said Levine.
While the county is continuing to update the vote counts on its dashboard, all counts and all results remain unofficial at this time. Election officials have not provided an estimate regarding when the count may be finished, beyond stating that the final results are expected to be delayed.
See also:
Montco Provides Update on Mail-in Ballot Count, Final Results Expected to Be Further Delayed
Editorial: Hanrahan Seeks to Continue Service to Community as District Judge
Editorial: Levine Brings Experience, Qualifications and Fairness to District Judge Seat
Election: Hanrahan, Levine to Square Off in November in District Judge Race
