WASHINGTON (CBSDC/AP) — D.C. Councilmember Vincent Orange has widened his lead over challenger Sekou Biddle in the Democratic primary for Orange’s at-large seat.

Orange now leads Biddle by 1,743 votes after absentee and provisional ballots were counted Friday. Orange led by 543 votes, or just over 1 percent, after the April 3 primary, leaving the race too close to call. Now Orange leads by nearly 3 percentage points, which means there will be no recount unless Biddle requests one.

District of Columbia elections officials will certify the results on Wednesday.

Orange was the only incumbent councilmember who faced a tough challenge in the primary. He recently acknowledged receiving suspicious money-order contributions linked to Jeffrey Thompson, an accountant and government contractor whose home and office were searched last month by federal authorities.

Thompson’s campaign contributions extended beyond Orange’s office.

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