Democrat Denise Juneau, the first American Indian to run the Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, declared victory on Wednesday but Republican Sandy Welch will ask for a recount in the close race.

After provisional votes were counted, Juneau had a 2,264-vote lead over Welch. The difference is less than 0.5 percent of the total votes cast.

“I always knew the race would be close,” Juneau told The Billings Gazette. “I’m really proud of the campaign that we ran. … We were able to get a positive message out on my accomplishments and achievements as superintendent.”

Juneau is a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation of North Dakota. She was raised on the Blackfeet Nation in Montana.

Get the Story:
Final tally gives Juneau 2,264-vote win; Welch to ask for recount (The Billings Gazette 11/15)

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