THE BUZZ: ODD THROUPLE — On election night, Joe Simitian was in second place. Then, a few days later, as more votes came in, it was Evan Low. Then, after another few days, it went back to Simitian. Then Low. Then Simitian. Then Low. Now, after weeks of a nonstop back-and-forth, it’s official: Low, the state lawmaker, and Simitian, the Santa Clara County supervisor, are tied for second place in the race to replace Rep. Anna Eshoo, creating an odds-defying electoral scenario wherein three candidates advance to the November runoff. It’s an unprecedented occurrence in the era of California’s top-two primary system and perhaps an unsatisfying end of the season for the candidates, who have spent the last month enduring a rollercoaster of emotions. Both of the candidates will go up against former San Jose Mayor Sam Liccardo, who has stayed comfortably in first place since March 5. Anyone — candidates included — could request a recount up until April 9, but doing so means running the risk of finding more votes for your opponent than yourself, and spending thousands to do it. Neither Low nor Simitian have expressed a strong desire to tally the votes again. Following the certification, Low thanked voters for their support through the “historic” election and said he hopes they’ll back him again in November. Simitian, in a statement, said, “This is what a functioning democracy looks like. Every vote is counted and every vote counts.” We caught up with Low outside Assembly chambers Thursday morning, where he seemed to be keeping high spirits — though he did acknowledge it’s been a little tough keeping sane these past four weeks. To stay busy he’s been focused on work and hitting the gym, including Orange Theory and pilates classes with his colleagues. He also told POLITICO’s Melanie Mason that he’s received some sheepish confessions from friends who failed to return their ballots. “People have reached out to say, ‘Oh my gosh, I wish I voted.’ Or, ‘Had I known, I would’ve voted,” he said. GOOD MORNING. Happy Friday. Thanks for waking up with Playbook. Now you can text us at 916-562-0685 — save it as “CA Playbook” in your contacts now. Or drop us a line at lkorte@politico.com and dgardiner@politico.com, or on X — @DustinGardiner and @Lara_Korte. WHERE’S GAVIN? Nothing official announced. | 
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