The election was extremely close. Napolitano won by just 11,819 votes out of 1,226,111 votes casts. This was the closest gubernatorial election in Arizona in a very long time. Under Arizona law if the margin of victory is less than one percent but greater than half of a percent, the losing candidate can request a recount that their campaign has to pay for. In this case the margin of victory was 0.97%, barley allowing the chance of a recount. Despite this, Salmon ultimately decided against it. This was likely due to the fact that recounts never see a swing over 1,000 votes. Salmon was losing by over 10,000. It soon became apparent that Napolitano had won the election and would be the next Governor of Arizona. Salmon in the end, waived his right for a recount, acknowledging that the chances of him prevailing were extremely small. Salmon officially called Napolitano on November 17, congratulating her on her victory. On November 20 Arizona Secretary of StateBetsey Bayless certified the results of the election declaring Napolitano the governor elect.