LINCOLN — After counting all remaining ballots, the Douglas County Election Office said Friday, May 20 that Christy Armendariz has unofficially won the right to face off with Michael Young in the November election in northwest Omaha’s 18th legislative district.

Armendariz beat Clarice Jackson by 21 votes after provisional ballots were counted Friday, according to Election Commissioner Brian Kruse.

Young led with 2,498 votes. Armendariz received 2,397 votes, besting Jackson's 2,358.

“It appears that we’re headed for a recount,” Kruse said.

If the difference between candidates is less than 1% of the total votes for the top vote-getter, state law requires a recount. In this case, 1% is equivalent to 25 votes. Kruse added that a candidate can always refuse a recount.

The current representative in District 18, State Sen. Brett Lindstrom, endorsed Armendariz. Additionally, Kirk Penner of Aurora, a member of the State Board of Education, endorsed Armendariz. Jackson was endorsed by Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, U.S. Rep. Don Bacon, and State Sen. Lou Ann Linehan.

Young, who runs an art gallery and tech company, was endorsed by the state teacher’s union, State Sen. John McCollister and the Omaha Federation of Labor.

Kruse said the vote totals are not official until the county and state canvassing boards certify them on June 6.

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