The Virginia Board of Elections officially completed the state’s two-week review of election results on Monday.
The board accepted the results reported by localities and the state Department of Elections in a unanimous vote. They certified victories for Republicans Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor-elect Winsome Sears and Attorney General-elect Jason Miyares, and confirmed that Republicans picked up a 52-seat majority in the House of Delegates.
However, Department of Elections data show two Hampton Roads House races are in range for a potential recount. In District 85, Democratic incumbent Alex Askew trails Republican Karen Greenhalgh by less than half a percent. Democrat Martha Mugler is in the same boat with Republican A. C. Cordoza in District 91.
Any losing campaign that trails by less than one percent can request a recount. Since those two are below half a percent, the state would pay for the process. Askew and Mugler’s campaigns have not made any announcements yet, but the window to file a challenge is now open for 10 days.
Attorney General Mark Herring, who lost to Miyares, is within the range needed for a recount but conceded his race shortly after the election.
In Prince George County, Paul W. Burroughs trails R. W. Vargo by six votes in the race for sheriff. State Commissioner of Elections Chris Piper says he expects a recount there, and John O’Bannon, a member of the state elections board, joked that a bowl used to decide a 2018 race should be made available.
Department of Elections staff will complete a report on the administration of this year’s election but did not specify a timeline for its release.
