Whitfield to Ask for Recount in Tight Battle for Democratic Nomination

Former Kirkwood municipal judge and  Harold Whitfield said he will ask for a recount in the race for the Democratic nomination for Missouri's 2nd Congressional District.

With 470 out of 470 precincts reporting by Wednesday, Glenn Koenen, of Oakville, won the nomination with 7893 votes, according to the Secretary of State election results website. Whitfield had 7,844 votes, George (Boots) Weber, of Eureka, came in third place with 7,545 votes, and Marshall Works, of Ballwin, had 4,531 votes.

Koenen said he knew the race would be close, and expected the recount, but does not think the results will change. 

"With the technology of these ballots in St. Louis County, I have confidence the votes won't move far enough to change the results," he said. "I'm very grateful for the support I received from groups like the St. Louis Metropolitan Food Pantry Association and people in Valley Park and Oakville."

Going into the election, Whitfield said he thought his chances at victory were good and that residents in Glendale, Kirkwood and Des Peres were very supportive of his campaign that focused on putting boots on the ground. 

Whitfield must request a recount seven days after the Aug. 7 primary is certified which will not be later than Aug. 28, according to the Secretary of State's Office. 

The winner of the Democratic nomination race for the 2nd Congressional District will face Ann Wagner in the November elections who won the Republican nomination by a landslide.

Updated at 4:30 p.m. Friday with comments from Koenen.