Bowen Concedes Defeat

California Secretary of State Debra Bowen released a statement Thursday afternoon conceding defeat in the election to fill a vacant seat in Congress.

“Since Tuesday’s election, my staff, legal advisors and election experts participated in the ballot review process to ensure a full and fair vote count was conducted. It is clear now that I will not be in the runoff and I congratulate Janice Hahn and Craig Huey," Bowen said.

Bowen thanked the 1,100 volunteers and 80 interns who worked on her campaign and commended Los Angeles County Registrar of Voters Dean Logan for counting the outstanding ballots quickly and professionally. Bowen urged voters to participate in the July 12 runoff election and said she would not endorse any candidate "to avoid even a perception of conflict" with her role as Secretary of State, the chief election officer in California.