A Newport News Republican has won the election for a closely watched Newport News House seat after a random drawing in Richmond.
Del. David Yancey and Shelly Simonds, the Democratic challenger drew lots at the Board of Elections Thursday, meaning they randomly drew names, to determine the winner after a Newport News court refused to reconsider its ruling declaring the election a tie.
State Board of Elections chairman James Alcorn tweeted “drawing names is an action of last resort” on Dec. 26.
Still, Simonds has an opportunity to challenge the results of the random drawing with a second recount, according to a Washington Post report.
Simonds had petitioned the court on Dec. 26 to reconsider its previous ruling calling the race a tie.
A three-judge panel ruled the contest a tie on Dec. 20.
A Dec. 19 recount had found that Simonds won by one vote.
A victory by Simonds would have created a 50-50 tie between Democrats and Republicans in the House of Delegates.
This is a developing story. To contact the reporter, email steve@localvoicemedia.com.
