Democrats Flip Virginia's State House Thanks to LITERALLY One Vote

By Rafi Schwartz  |  December 19, 2017 | 10:45pm
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Nearly a month after Virginia saw a massive electoral wave sweep Democrats into office from the governor’s mansion down to the municipal level, the state’s last contested race was called on Tuesday. It marked a new era in Virginia politics, with the House of Delegates now tied 50-50 between the two parties. But here’s the craziest part: The final race, between newly elected Democrat Shelly Simonds and Republican David Yancey for Virginia’s 94 district, was ultimately decided by a single vote.

While the electoral result—11,608 to 11,607—has yet to have been officially ratified, the Virginia GOP has already congratulated Simonds on her win.

“We stand ready to establish a bipartisan framework under which the House can operate efficiently and effectively over the next two years,” Virginia Republican leaders wrote in a statement. “The responsibilities of the House of Delegates as an institution transcend party labels, and our obligations to govern this Commonwealth remain.”

Simonds’ victory marks the end of a nearly unthinkable reversal of fortunes for Virginia’s Democratic Party, which just six weeks ago was at a 66-34 deficit in the House. Republicans previously had held the state majority for more than two decades.

While Democrat Ralph Northam is set to assume Virginia’s governorship, and Republicans and Democrats will now share power in the House, Republicans still maintain the majority in Virginia’s Senate.

Simonds originally trailed Yancey by a ten-vote margin prior to Tuesday’s final tally, which came as a recount of their original November votes.

 
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