Virginia lawmakers have officially certified the outcome of the elections held earlier this month, with the Republican party getting the edge over democrats. The final certifications show a balance of 52-48 in the House of Delegates.
However, two races in the commonwealth of Virginia have been ended extremely close to each other, leaving the possibility of a recount appeal.
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In districts 85 and 91, Republican candidates have officially maintained their lead but with the bearest of margins. A.C. Cordoza, who is up against the Democratic party’s Martha Mugler, has a lead of just 94 votes.
On the other hand, Republican Karen Greenhalgh leads Democratic Alex Askew by a margin of 127 votes out of 28,413 votes counted, according to reports from Associated Press. Both races qualify for a possible state-funded recount as the margin is under 0.5%.
However, no candidate from either of the parties have requested for an electoral recount so far, paving the way for officials to certify the November 2 polls. Virginia’s law suggests an appeal must be made by the candidates within 10 days of certification of results.
In case the processes play out in favour of the Republican lawmakers, the party will go on to hold control in the House. Other aspects of the recent elections have also been GOP centric. The offices of Virginia’s Governor, Attorney General and Lieutenant Governor are now occupied by Republicans.
Democrats maintain a thin control in the state Senate with a tally of 21-19. The polls for the upper chamber are scheduled for 2023.
Democrats conceded control of the House to GOP lawmakers several days after the polls earlier this month but tempered that concession after it became clear that the 85th and 91st districts appeared headed for recounts.