Tanmay Shah defeats Danny Kelly in Cleveland Ward 12

• And it was a nail-biter.

Driving the news: The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections certified the election Tuesday morning.

By the numbers: Shah led Kelly by only seven votes after election night.

• The BOE has since counted provisional ballots and a small number of remaining mail-in ballots.
• Shah's lead grew to nine, winning 1,485 to 1,476.

What's next: Due to the slim margin of victory, Ohio law stipulates an automatic recount must occur.

• The BOE has scheduled the recount — one of five countywide — for Monday, Dec. 1.

What they're saying: Kelly congratulated Shah in statement acknowledging the outcome is unlikely to change.

• "This race was unbelievably close because my team — and his — worked their tails off. I want to thank everyone who volunteered for me. I'm so grateful to have you in my corner. Now, let's do everything we can to help Councilmember-elect Shah succeed, for the sake of the new Ward 12 and the City of Cleveland. This election is truly proof that EVERY VOTE COUNTS!"

Go deeper: Incumbents largely prevailed in Cleveland City Council races

This story has been updated with Kelly's statement.