Shasta County Supervisor Narrowly Survives Recall by 50 Votes in Tense Election Battle

Shasta County Board of Supervisors: Election Drama Unfolds

In a dramatic turn of events, the hard-right chairman of the Shasta County Board of Supervisors, Kevin Crye, has narrowly survived a recall after facing intense scrutiny over his stance on voting machines and election fraud. Crye, a gym owner who assumed office in 2022, managed to defeat the recall by a mere 50 votes out of 9,382 ballots cast, as per the final results released by the county registrar on a Thursday afternoon. His thin margin of victory comes after a contentious period marked by controversies and polarization.

A Narrow Victory

Crye, who joked about the outcome by quipping "Landslide" upon being informed of the results, attributed the close call to the deeply divided nature of the country. Notably, Crye's initial election in November 2022 was won by a similarly slim margin of just 90 votes, underscoring the sharp divisions within the community. He dismissed the recall attempt as "completely unnecessary" and highlighted the significant financial cost it imposed on taxpayers.

Shasta County's Political Landscape

The political atmosphere in Shasta County has been characterized by a marked shift towards hard-right policies in recent years, with Crye's survival holding significant implications for the county's political trajectory. The election was perceived as a referendum on the board's hard-right turn, following a series of controversial decisions and positions that have thrust the region into the national spotlight for its ultraconservative governance and election denialism.

Mixed Outcomes

The election results saw a mixed outcome, with the hard-right majority facing both victories and setbacks. Notably, Matt Plummer, a nonprofit advisor, secured a victory by defeating incumbent Patrick Jones, a vocal advocate for eliminating Dominion voting systems. Plummer's decisive win, capturing nearly 60% of the vote, signals a shift in sentiments within the community.

Additionally, Allen Long, a retired Redding police lieutenant known for his moderate stance, clinched an open board seat representing western Shasta County. In a closely contested race involving four candidates, Long secured 50.13% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a runoff election by a mere 14 votes. This outcome underscores the nuanced and closely divided nature of the electorate's preferences.

Voices of Change

Mary Rickert, an incumbent and moderate Republican who frequently clashed with the hard-right majority, emerged with 40% of the vote and is set for a runoff against quarry owner Corkey Harmon. The narrowing of the hard-right's influence is further underscored by the fact that Win Carpenter, a prominent figure in the far-right State of Jefferson secessionist movement, failed to advance to the general election.

Interpretations and Perspectives

Amid the varied electoral outcomes, Rickert emphasized that the electorate's desire for new faces on the board was unmistakable, signaling a broader yearning for change and moderation. However, she acknowledged Crye's ability to frame the race as a referendum on a deeply unpopular figure in the county: Governor Gavin Newsom. Crye leveraged the sentiment that a vote against him equated to a vote for Newsom to appoint his interim successor, a strategy that resonated with a significant portion of the electorate.

Shifting Dynamics and Local Control

Furthermore, the election saw more than 55% of county voters approving a measure to designate Shasta as a "charter county" instead of a "general law" county, effectively granting the supervisors, not the governor, the authority to fill vacancies on the Board of Supervisors. Crye hailed this development as a resounding victory, touting it as a means to secure local control and exclude external political influence from Sacramento.

Reflections on the Recount

The committee that initiated the recall against Crye expressed hope that the supervisor would take heed of the close margin by which he clung to his seat. They emphasized the widespread discontent among constituents regarding Crye's decisions and approach, urging him to seriously consider the sentiments of those who stood in opposition to his leadership.

Closing Thoughts

The electoral saga in Shasta County has unveiled a complex tapestry of shifting political dynamics, ideological battles, and the enduring impact of charged national discourse on local politics. As the community grapples with the aftermath of the elections, the outcome serves as a testament to the potency of local sentiment, the complexities of governance, and the perpetual interplay of divergent voices in shaping the region's trajectory.