Darius Shahinfar

Dear friends,

It is with sadness and regret that after a lengthy re-canvass and counting of the absentee ballots, we came extremely close, but have lost our race for Albany’s City Auditor. The final tally is not official, but the margin is approximately 225 votes, or less than 2% of the vote. In speaking with many observers of Albany politics, they have all said that the results were one of the most unusual they had ever witnessed. We won significant support across all demographics, all sections of the city, all political groups, including institutional and progressive Democrats, with no distinct or discernable voting patterns. In the end, however, we came up just a fraction short. I have congratulated my opponent on his victory, and I have wished him well and best of luck. Our city faces several challenges and there is much work that needs to be done.

I want to thank you all for believing in me, supporting of my candidacy and my independence. A candidacy is about far more than just the candidate: It is about all of you and the direction in which you want to see our community move. I would never have been able to come this far without your support, and for that I will always be grateful. Campaigning is energizing and uplifting, but I am certainly looking forward to spending time with Noelle, Jackson, Ava and my extended family and friends. I wish you all well, and look forward to speaking with you soon.

Darius