SAN JOSE, Calif. (Diya TV) — Former Silicon Valley Congressional Candidate Rishi Kumar conceded defeat in Santa Clara County’s special runoff election for county assessor, with early unofficial returns showing Los Altos Vice Mayor Neysa Fligor holding a commanding lead Tuesday night.
As of 9:22 p.m. in the first major results update, Fligor led with 108,556 votes (65.7%) to Kumar’s 56,617 (about 34%), a margin of nearly 53,000 votes. Turnout was roughly 15% in the holiday-timed runoff.
In his concession message to supporters, Kumar wrote: “The people of Santa Clara County have spoken, and I respect the outcome.” The former Saratoga City Councilman added that he “conveyed my congratulations to Neysa on a solid victory.” Kumar said his work would continue despite the loss, namely to push a property tax exemption for seniors 60 years old and order through a statewide ballot initiative.
The race was triggered by the resignation of longtime Assessor Larry Stone, ending a three-decade hold on the office and setting up an unusual off-cycle contest.
