Republican Incumbent Wins Ballot Recount By 1 Vote

More than a week after the General Election and a recount of all ballots, a winner has been declared in a race for Portsmouth Town Council. 

Elizabeth "Liz" Pedro was determined to be the winner after a recount was held Friday afternoon at the Rhode Island Board of Elections office in Providence. 

Pedro, the Republican incumbent, won the recount by just one vote. 

"I congratulate Ms. Pedro on a good race and wish her well on the council," said her opponent, Democratic candidate Leonard Katzman. 

"I want to thank all those who voted for me, and thanks are due as well to the Portsmouth Democratic Party for their support of my candidacy. 

"I am exceptionally pleased that Portsmouth Democrats won a controlling number of seats on the Town Council and accomplished a complete sweep of the School Committee races. I wish all newly-elected Portsmouth office holders the best as they take on the challenges of government for the next two years."

Katzman requested the recount after results from the General Election showed only a difference of three votes between him and his opponent. 

Katzman received a total of 3,786 votes, while Pedro received 3,789 in the General Election. The final tally after the recount was 3,790 for Katzman and 3,791 for Pedro.