Jesus Rubalcava wins Gila Bend Town Council seat after a high-card draw settles a tie.
Jesus Rubalcava secured the final seat on the Gila Bend Town Council after a game of high-card draw settled a tie between him and Athena Guerrero. Both candidates received exactly 67 votes in the July 21 election, necessitating a game of chance to determine the winner under a century-old Arizona law. During the special council meeting on August 25, Interim Town Clerk Patricia Riggs facilitated the draw. Athena Guerrero drew a three of clubs, while Jesus Rubalcava drew a three of spades. Because the rules stipulated that spades are the highest suit, Jesus Rubalcava was declared the winner. This marks the second time a game of chance has decided Rubalcava's path to the council; he previously won a seat in 2014 via a coin toss. Rubalcava, a local high school teacher, noted that the outcome was a matter of luck, though he used the event to emphasize the importance of every vote to his students. Athena Guerrero expressed her respect for the opponent and stated she would return for the next election.