Nav Gurm conceded the Fresno City Council District 7 race Wednesday, congratulating Ariana Martinez Lott as ballot counting continued following Tuesday’s election.

“This morning I called Ariana Martinez Lott to congratulate her on a well-run campaign and her victory,” Gurm wrote in a statement posted to Instagram. “While every vote deserves to be counted, the numbers are clear: she will be the next District 7 councilmember.”

The concession comes after Martinez Lott built a sizable lead over Gurm in the head-to-head race.

Results provided by Fresno County show Martinez Lott with 3,688 votes, or 56.68%, compared with 2,819 votes, or 43.32%, for Gurm. A total of 6,507 votes have been counted in the contest.

The results showed 7,298 ballots cast in the race, representing turnout of 21.02% among 34,718 eligible voters.

Votes are still being counted across Fresno County, with another results update expected Thursday, according to the county.

Gurm Congratulates Martinez Lott

In his concession statement, Gurm thanked his family, friends, volunteers, and District 7 residents who supported his campaign.

“Your time, your trust, and your belief that Fresno can do better meant everything,” Gurm said. “You showed up because you care about this community, and that is something worth being proud of.”

Gurm also said he would support Martinez Lott as she prepares to take office.

“Ariana’s success is the success of our city and our district,” he said. “I support her as she takes on the work of making District 7 safer, cleaner, and more affordable for the families who call it home.”

Candidates Advanced From Earlier Contest

Gurm and Martinez Lott advanced after competing in a four-candidate contest that also included AJ Rassamni and Jason J. Keomanee.

In those results, Gurm finished with 3,099 votes, or 38.96%, narrowly ahead of Martinez Lott, who received 3,079 votes, or 38.71%, a difference of 20 votes.

Rassamni received 1,182 votes, or 14.86%, while Keomanee received 595 votes, or 7.48%.

Gurm closed his concession statement by saying his involvement in Fresno would continue.

“It has been an honor to walk these neighborhoods, listen to neighbors, and fight for a better Fresno,” Gurm said. “The work continues, just in a different form. Thank you, Fresno.”

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