Queens Borough President Melinda Katz has pulled ahead of public defender Tiffany Cabán by 20 votes in the Democratic primary for Queens district attorney, city Board of Election officials said Wednesday night.

The lead is narrow enough to prompt a recount – another dramatic turn in a local race that has garnered national attention.

Cabán’s candidacy was backed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez along with presidential candidates Elizabeth Warren and Bernie Sanders. Before Wednesday’s count, Cabán – a 31-year-old public defender – had a lead of 1,199 votes over Katz, a 53-year-old longtime politician. Katz picked up enough votes following Wednesday’s count to put her in the lead by roughly 20 votes.

Opponent Tiffany Cabán had declared victory on election night. Since that day, thousands of mailed-in ballots were opened and counted. Katz’ campaign confirmed she was up by 20 votes.

“We said from the beginning that every vote needs to be counted and that every voter needs to be heard, and now we see clearly why this must always be the case,” Katz said. “I am proud to have been chosen as the Democratic nominee for for Queens District Attorney. We know that these numbers can and will be subject to recount, and there may be legal challenges, but what matters most is the will of Queens voters.”

A spokeswoman for the Cabán campaign said that “if every valid paper ballot vote is counted, we are confident we will prevail.”

It now look as if the race will head to an official recount.

Every vote was counted and every voice was heard. I’m honored to be the Democratic nominee for Queens District Attorney. pic.twitter.com/ez7eLAoKhb

— Melinda Katz (@MelindaKatz) July 4, 2019

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)