Horton Wilde's California 47th Ballot

Paper ballot for California's 47th congressional district carries the printed name of Democrat Horton Wilde despite his recent death, pulling votes that flip a safe Republican seat competitive. Late-night TV pundits Julie, George, and Martin reference it directly as the source of the 'Lazarus' upset, their disbelief underscoring voter defiance of polls and candidate mortality.

2 appearances

Appearances in the Narrative

When this object appears and how it's used

2 moments

S4E8 · Process Stories

Lazarus Race: The Dead Man Who Changed the Map

Horton Wilde's printed ballot name functions as the structural catalyst for the 'Lazarus 47' story: the panel cites the fact that Wilde died but remained on the ballot, which directly created the competitive surprise in a Republican stronghold and fuels the on-air analysis.

Before: Physically printed on paper ballots in California's 47th despite the candidate's death; dormant as an administrative artifact.

After: Remains printed and legally valid on ballots; its narrative salience is amplified by media coverage and is now a talking point on national television.

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S4E8 · Process Stories

Debate as Deciding Moment — Media Frames the Win

Horton Wilde's printed ballot is the factual oddity underlying the 'Lazarus 47' discussion; it is cited conceptually as the mechanism that allowed a deceased Democrat's name to attract votes and make the 47th unexpectedly competitive.

Before: Physically present in Orange County precincts as a paper ballot with Horton Wilde's name printed despite his death.

After: Remains on record as the artefact that produced the late-night narrative; no immediate physical change in the scene.

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