Midwest Communications
PEORIA, Ill. Jim Montelongo on Tuesday announced he has conceded the Peoria mayoral race to Mayor Rita Ali, but that he is also filing a lawsuit against the Election Commission.
Montelongo lost the April 6 election with 8,197 votes to Ali’s 8,240 votes, according to official results from the Peoria County Election Commission.
Ali was sworn in as Peoria’s new mayor on May 4.
A discovery recount requested by Montelongo’s campaign was completed Monday with the final vote count unchanged.
“I congratulate Rita on her victory and extend my very best wishes for her service as our mayor. I called Rita last night and we had a very warm conversation.” said Montelongo in a statement on Tuesday.