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Ghorbani falls behind Republican Stringham in bid for reelection to Salt Lake County Council

(Tribune file photos) Laurie Stringham and Shireen Ghorbani

(Tribune file photos) Laurie Stringham and Shireen Ghorbani

Republicans had more good news in the latest vote count Friday afternoon in Salt Lake County.

The county clerk reported about 10,000 more ballots since its last update on Wednesday. At-large Salt Lake County Council incumbent Shireen Ghorbani, a Democrat, is now more than 1,000 votes behind her Republican opponent Laurie Stringham after leading in all other tallies since election night.

A loss by Ghorbani would see the GOP further solidify their majority on the council, growing it to 6-3, after Republican candidates prevailed in two races for open council seats.

In District 2, Dave Alvord continues to hold a solid lead, nearly 56%, over his Democratic opponent Deborah Gatrell. Republican Dea Theodore is also ahead by 10 percentage points over Democratic Terri Tapp Hrechkosy for District 6.

Mayor Jenny Wilson has maintained her 7-point gap ahead of Republican Trent Staggs. Staggs conceded the race last week. County Recorder Rashelle Hobbs, a Democrat, also remains ahead in her bid for reelection, although she leads by less than 2 points.

The race for county assessor remains close, with Democrat Jennifer Fresques continuing to lag behind Republican Chris Stavros by just over one point. The incumbent for county treasurer, K. Wayne Cushing, has moved ahead in a once-close race with Democrat challenger Michael McDonald by more than 5 points.

Ghorbani took her seat on the council last year to fill out the unexpired term of Jenny Wilson, who replaced Ben McAdams as mayor when McAdams was elected to Congress.

Salt Lake County Clerk Sherrie Swensen said 1,964 uncured ballots have yet to be counted, meaning they have unverified signatures or other issues. Not all them will be found eligible. Voters needing to cure their ballots have until 5 p.m. Monday.


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