Del. Brenda Pogge will return to the Virginia House of Delegates to represent the 96th District after defeating challenger Brandon Waltrip in the general election, according to unofficial results.
Vote totals from the Virginia Department of Elections show Pogge, a Republican, leads the ballot count with 12,004 votes, or 61.08 percent, as of 10 p.m. Waltrip, an independent, has earned 7,600 votes, or 38.67 percent.
All election results are considered unofficial until a formal results review, which begins tomorrow, is completed and all provisional ballots are counted.
Pogge, who celebrated her victory at Williamsburg National Golf Club with the James City County Republican Committee, said she was happy and satisfied with the results.
“My opponent ran a clean race and I appreciate it,” she said.
Waltrip said he was proud of his campaign’s performance in the polls despite the loss.
“I think as an independent, we did really well,” he said. “I’m just fortunate to be supported by so many neighbors. In my first time running for office, I think we made a strong showing and I’m glad to see me and Ms. Pogge ran a clean campaign.”
The 96th District includes parts of James City County and York County.
Pogge was first elected to the House of Delegates in 2007 and ran unopposed in 2009, 2011 and 2013. In her fifth term in the House, Pogge said she would advocate for education reform, mental health services and workforce development opportunities.
As of Oct. 22, Pogge received $91,828 in campaign contributions, which includes $7,120 raised before Jan. 1, 2014, according to the Virginia Public Access Project. Waltrip earned $13,411 in campaign contributions in 2015, VPAP reported.
RESULTS
Total:
| Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Brenda L. Pogge Republican |
12,004 | 61.08% |
| Brandon C. Waltrip Independent |
7,600 | 38.67% |
| Write In Write-In |
48 | 0.24% |
By Locality:
JAMES CITY COUNTY
| Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Brenda L. Pogge Republican |
7,332 | 58.59% |
| Brandon C. Waltrip Independent |
5,155 | 41.19% |
| Write In Write-In |
27 | 0.22% |
YORK COUNTY
| Candidate | Votes | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Brenda L. Pogge Republican |
4,672 | 65.45% |
| Brandon C. Waltrip Independent |
2,445 | 34.25% |
| Write In Write-In |
21 | 0.29% |
Related Coverage:
- Brenda Pogge (R) (questionnaire) (profile)
- Brandon Waltrip (I) (questionnaire) (profile)
- District 96 Forum Canceled Due to Debate Conflict
