Full Breakdown
Andy Thomson Declared Mayor of Boca Raton After Narrow Recount Victory
3/14/2026, 5:16:48 PM
Election Results and Recount Process
Andy Thomson has been officially declared the new mayor of Boca Raton, Florida, following a recount that confirmed his victory over challenger Mike Liebelson by a mere five votes. The final tally showed Thomson receiving 7,572 votes compared to Liebelson's 7,567. The recount was necessitated by the razor-thin margin of just 0.03 percentage points, triggering an automatic machine recount under Florida law, which is required when the margin is less than 0.5%. After the machine recount, which initially left Thomson leading by only one vote, a manual recount was conducted to assess "overvotes" and "undervotes"—ballots where voters either selected too many candidates or none at all.
Background and Context
The election, held on March 10, 2026, was characterized by high voter turnout and significant public interest, particularly regarding the controversial "One Boca" redevelopment project. This project, which aimed to lease city-owned land for mixed-use development, was overwhelmingly rejected by voters, with approximately 75% opposing it. Thomson, a vocal critic of the project, campaigned on a platform advocating for responsible growth and fiscal restraint, positioning himself as a candidate aligned with the community's desire for change.
Key Figures
- Andy Thomson: A Democratic attorney and former City Council member, Thomson has been involved in local politics for several years. He previously won a City Council seat in a recount in 2018.
- Mike Liebelson: A political newcomer and Republican energy executive, Liebelson campaigned on an outsider platform, emphasizing the need for reform in City Hall and opposing developer-driven growth.
- Fran Nachlas: The incumbent Deputy Mayor, who finished third in the mayoral race, supported the One Boca project and garnered only 3,967 votes.
Official Statements & Responses
Following the recount, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Link emphasized the transparency and accuracy of the election process, stating, "Every eligible vote matters... These procedures ensure that the results of our elections are accurate, transparent, and worthy of the public’s trust." Meanwhile, Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party, congratulated Thomson on his victory, highlighting the importance of grassroots organizing.
Criticism & Opposition
Liebelson has raised concerns regarding the late addition of 109 mail-in ballots that were reported after the polls closed, suggesting that their timing could have skewed the results. He has indicated a potential legal challenge to the election outcome, although he has not yet confirmed his intentions. "The people of Boca deserve to have honest elections," Liebelson remarked, expressing his doubts about the integrity of the process.
What's Next
Thomson is set to be sworn in as mayor on March 31, 2026, alongside newly elected City Council members Michelle Grau, Jonathan Pearlman, and Stacy Sipple, who were all endorsed by the citizen-led Save Boca movement. The new administration will face the challenge of addressing community concerns regarding development and governance in Boca Raton.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Every eligible vote matters,” — Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
- “The citizens of Boca Raton have spoken clearly. They want our city to head in a new direction. We need to make sure every vote is counted so the citizens get the leadership they deserve,” — Mike Liebelson, Mayoral Candidate
- “In response to Liebelson's comments, Link said: "I believe that our election process is very open, transparent, fair and accurate.” — Wendy Sartory Link, Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections
- “Winning by a margin of just 5 votes, this race is proof that organizing everywhere and talking to every voter will make all the difference in 2026," said FDP Chair Nikki Fried.” — Nikki Fried, Chair of the Florida Democratic Party
