Next stop for state controller recount: San Bernardino County

The recount in the California controller race has produced only a handful of new votes for Assemblyman John A. Pérez, the candidate who launched the review.

But that isn’t stopping him from pushing forward with the effort, asking for the recount to be expanded to San Bernardino County on Monday. It will be the third county, after Kern and Imperial, where officials will be tasked with double-checking ballots from the razor-close controller race.

“We want to get that process started quicker than later,” said Doug Herman, Pérez’s strategist.

Pérez called for the recount, which could become the largest in state history, after finishing 481 votes behind Board of Equalization member Betty Yee in the June 3 primary. The two Democrats are jostling for a spot on the November ballot.

Ashley Swearengin, the Republican mayor of Fresno, has already advanced to the general election after receiving the most votes in the primary.

The California Democratic Party has begun throwing its support behind Yee, donating $50,000 to her campaign last week.

Hilary Crosby, a ranking party official, sent an email Thursday saying the recount is costing Yee “valuable time” that could be used to focus on the general election.

“Let’s roll up our sleeves and support Betty Yee now,” Crosby wrote in her plea for donations.

Follow @chrismegerian for more updates from Sacramento.