Mayor Brad Hart decides not to ask for recount in Cedar Rapids mayoral election

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Cedar Rapids will have a new mayor in 2022 if the unofficial election results hold.

Mayor Brad Hart finished third in Tuesday's mayoral election, trailing to second place finisher Amara Andrews by only 40 votes. He now says he will not ask for a recount.

Andrews and Tiffany O'Donnell, who got the most votes, will advance to a runoff election on November 30.

The results are still unofficial until the Linn County Auditor's Office canvasses the vote. That is expected to happen by next Tuesday.

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Hart could have requested a recount but opted against. He released the following statement Friday.

While the number of votes between Amara Andrews and me represents less than two tenths of one percent, I have decided not to ask for a recount, in part to avoid the cost and the efforts of those who would need to be involved. Thank you to my family, friends, volunteers and Cedar Rapids voters for your support in my re-election bid. We fell short of our goal and are, of course, disappointed. However, I am proud of the successes of the last four years and where the city stands today. Despite a pandemic and a natural disaster 67% of Cedar Rapidians believe the city is on the right track, and that's because we have come far in recovering from the derecho, improved our streets and added flood protection, housing and jobs. I will finish out my term by serving this great city just like I've tried to do every day for the last four years. Thank you to my fellow city council members and to the talented city team I've had the privilege to work with. Thank you to the citizens of Cedar Rapids for the opportunity to serve you over the last four years. It has been an honor.