A Minneapolis City Council candidate last week requested a recount after narrowly losing to a candidate endorsed by the Democratic Socialists of America. Democrat Yusra Arab, announced her intentions on Twitter saying, “The outcome is one of the closest margins Minneapolis has ever experienced in a city council race using rank choice voting.”

Arab said, “Less than nine months ago, I began this journey as an unknown candidate facing what seemed like insurmountable odds. Together, we led a true community effort and were part of meaningful discussions about how to best serve our Ward and city at this pivotal time.”

Arab ran against Democratic Socialist Robin Wonsley Worlobah in Ward 2 in Minneapolis. The Minnesota Sun reported that Wonsley Worlobah was one of three Democratic Socialists elected to the Minneapolis City Council in the November general election.

Arab said she is requesting a recount to ensure that “all votes are counted. Arab said, “Regardless of the outcome, I want to ensure that all voices are heard and all votes are counted in this race.”

She also thanked Cam Gordon, the former city council member for Ward 2, saying “A note of thanks to Cam Gordon for his dedication and service to our ward. Cam, thank you for your long-standing leadership to our community.”

Arab finished her Twitter thread by assuring Minneapolis she would “remain a voice” for the community. She wrote, “In whatever capacity I move forward, I intend to remain a voice for our community and will work alongside our elected leaders and community to move Minneapolis forward.”

Wonsley Worlobah responded to the news of the recount saying she has confidence that Minneapolis “voted for a black Democratic Socialist.” Wonsley Worlobah said in a Facebook post, “The Robin for Minneapolis campaign trusts Minneapolis Elections and understands that a recount is a standard practice for close races. We are confident that the people of Ward 2 voted for a Black Democratic Socialist to represent them and are confident that the recount will confirm that.”

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Hayley Feland is a reporter with The Minnesota Sun and The Wisconsin Daily Star | Star News Network. Follow Hayley on Twitter or like her Facebook page. Send news tips to [email protected].
Photo “Yusra Arab” by Yusra Arab. Photo “Robin Wonsley Worlobah” by Robin Wonsley Worlobah.