Rik Mehta is claiming victory.

Or is he?

A recent Facebook post expresses thanks to all who supported him and adds the following:

“While ballots are still being counted, we are excited to report that our lead is steadily growing statewide and we are winning nearly every county.”

He expresses confidence he will win, but says he’ll refrain from making further comments “out of respect for the election officials across the state working hard to count the votes.”

Mehta also includes a gratuitous swipe at the governor for holding a mostly vote-by-mail election. That’s to be expected

But Mehta’s consideration of the ballot-counters is a new one. He’ll let them finish their work before commenting further.

Mehta began the day in a very close election with Hirsh Singh for the Republican Senate nomination.