Election stunner? Teri Ann Hourihan leading Hugh Lytle in No Labels Party governor race

The first Arizona No Labels Party primary election is producing a shocking result at the top of the ticket.

Despite a massive financial advantage, entrepreneur Hugh Lytle is trailing licensed therapist and professional counselor Teri Ann Hourihan in the race to be the fledgling party’s first nominee for governor.

As of Wednesday morning, Hourihan had a 55.7% to 44.3% lead (5,077 to 4,039) over Lytle, with a 1,038-vote margin.

It’s not clear how many No Labels Party ballots from Tuesday’s primary election remain uncounted. But if Hourihan’s lead holds up, she’ll be on the Nov. 3 general election ballot with Democratic incumbent Gov. Katie Hobbs and Republican primary winner Andy Biggs.

According to state finance records, Lytle loaned his campaign $2 million from his own pocket and spent almost half of it. Meanwhile, Hourihan’s fundraising total was under $30,000, and she spent most of it.

Teri Ann Hourihan expresses gratitute

Hourihan celebrated the election results on Facebook early Wednesday.

“I have always said I don’t seek political party endorsements because I want to serve all Arizonans. I am, however, proud and grateful to be the No Labels nominee, and I am honored by everyone who has stood with this campaign,” she wrote.

The 1:30 a.m. post was accompanied by a video in which she shared how she was feeling.

“It’s very cloud nine right now, and I think I’m in a daze, like I’m going to wake up tomorrow and just not be able to understand how my life got here,” Hourihan said.

In a February interview with KTAR News 92.3 FM’s The Mike Broomhead Show, Hourihan said her top priority as governor would be to root out corruption within state agencies.

What did Hugh Lytle say about Arizona No Labels Party primary results?

Lytle released a concession statement Wednesday afternoon.

“While the primary results weren’t what we had hoped for, my heart is full of gratitude. To every volunteer, contributor, supporter, and voter who believed in this mission: thank you,” he said.

“When we launched this campaign, we set out to prove that Arizona is bigger than partisan gridlock and that a pragmatic, problem-solving approach could unite this state. Although this campaign has come to an end, the work of building a stronger Arizona continues.”

What is the Arizona No Labels Party?

The Arizona No Labels Party was created to provide independent candidates with a way to qualify for the ballot with far fewer signatures than candidates who don’t have any party affiliation. The party itself doesn’t have a specific political platform.

The party tried to rebrand itself as the Arizona Independent Party, but a judge rejected the change earlier this year.

Tuesday’s Arizona No Labels Party primary had candidates in six races, but governor was the only statewide contest. And only one other race was contested, with Tisha Benoit defeating John Fillmore for the party’s nomination in the 4th Congressional District.

The winner of the gubernatorial primary and Benoit will be joined by fellow No Labels candidates Alan Aversa (3rd Congressional District), Jason LaForest (District 5 state Senate), Anthony Jason Ramirez (District 12 state Senate) and David Scott (District 10 state House) on general election ballots.

Subscribe to the KTAR Political Brief newsletter to get our top political stories, exclusive guest interviews and more to your email inbox.

Related

Jay Feely and potential CD-1 opponent Amish Shah have history with the New York JetsIncumbents getting swept in Gilbert Town Council electionWarren Petersen called as winner in GOP primary for Arizona attorney generalKimberly Yee leading Tom Horne in bitter GOP primary for Arizona schools chiefAlex Kolodin tops former state party chair in secretary of state primary raceJay Feely projected winner in CD-1; Dem race still too close to call