It would be nearly impossible for 11,000 absentee votes to close a 4,000 vote gap.
Hoffman would need 7000 of those votes just to keep even with Owens in the final tally.
That would be 64%.
I suppose it is faintly possible, but this is a 3 way race and it is hard to crunch the numbers in a way that would be plausible for a Hoffman victory.
There are also voting machines in 4 precincts which have been impounded by court order and won’t be counted tonight.
Plus since Hoff was in 3rd when most of the absentees were voted, it is safe to assume that he also finished 3rd in the absentees.
This sucks, but I am excited that the vote was so close for somebody that ran on a non-mainstream ticket. That by itself is historic, and my hats are off for Hoffman.
On the bright side, the election is next year, so the person in the seat will only serve for a bit anyway. Ultimately, one vote isn’t a bit deal in the House (would be in the Senate).
Big night overall for the GOP.