The state capitol building in Richmond, Virginia.
A recount for a Virginia state House seat upheld the Republican candidate’s victory on Wednesday, cementing what will be a 52-48 majority for the GOP when the chamber convenes in January.
A court certified that Republican A.C. Cordoza had defeated Democratic Del. Martha Mugler in the race for the Hampton Roads-area 91st District seat.
Mugler, a freshman member elected in 2019, requested a recount last month after the results from the Nov. 2 election showed her trailing by only 94 votes out of the 27,388 counted.
Cordoza, a 31-year-old political newcomer who works as an engineer technician at Newport News Shipbuilding, ended up ahead by 64 votes, according to Wednesday's final order. There was also a libertarian candidate, Charles West, in the race for the 91st District, which comprises the cities of Hampton and Poquoson, and York County.
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An earlier recount last week upheld another GOP candidate’s win and confirmed that the party had retaken the majority from the Democrats, making Virginia one of only two states with a split legislature; the other is Minnesota. Democrats hold a slim 21-19 majority in the Senate, where lawmakers aren’t up for reelection until 2023.
Last month’s elections marked a sweep for the Republicans, who won the offices of governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general.
“We will continue to work with the outgoing Democratic majority for a timely transition so as to be prepared to work on day one. The session begins in a little over a month, and Virginians expect us to be ready to work the moment the gavel drops," Speaker-designee Todd Gilbert said in a statement Wednesday night.
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Mugler formally conceded and said she respected the court's decision.
“Recounts offer the opportunity to make sure each vote has been counted accurately and instill confidence when margins are razor-thin," she said in a statement.
