UPDATE: The race for Cleveland’s Ward 12 city council seat remains unresolved as candidates Danny Kelly and Tanmay Shah await critical election results. With just seven votes separating the two contenders, the final tally is set to be certified by the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections on November 25, 2023.
Election night culminated in an astonishingly tight contest, leaving voters and candidates in suspense. Shah, who currently leads, expressed his disbelief at the close margin: “To be frank, I think my brain broke a little bit. We weren’t really prepared for this tight of a race and the recount process,” he said.
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Approximately 50 outstanding ballots, including provisional and uncounted mail-in votes, will play a crucial role in determining the outcome. Even if Shah maintains his lead, the narrow margin will likely trigger an automatic recount, prolonging the uncertainty.
For Tanmay Shah, a 29-year-old housing attorney and union organizer, reaching this point is a significant achievement. Having immigrated from India at age nine, Shah’s journey reflects his commitment to creating change in Cleveland. “Cleveland isn’t a poor city; it’s an exploited city,” he stated, emphasizing his Democratic Socialist views and dedication to empowering local families.
On the other hand, incumbent Danny Kelly has held the Ward 12 seat since January 2023 and remains resolute. “We have to wait for the votes to be counted. It’s not fair to anyone involved to speculate,” Kelly remarked. He acknowledges the importance of the process and insists on respecting the democratic decision-making of voters.
Both candidates have been invited to participate in votes for council leadership positions, but Shah plans to abstain. “I personally do not feel comfortable voting until my election has actually been certified,” he explained.
As the community waits with bated breath, both candidates have expressed admiration for their campaign teams and the engaged electorate. “You don’t get a race this close unless you really work hard to get the people out,” Kelly noted, commending the efforts of volunteers.
With less than two weeks until the results are certified, residents and supporters are on edge. This race not only reflects the political landscape of Cleveland but also highlights the pressing issues facing its communities.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops. The implications of the final count and potential recount will shape the city council’s direction for years to come.
