Free Republic

RICHMOND — Democrat Shelly Simonds has conceded the tied 94th District race out of Newport News that was decided by a random drawing last week. Simonds, who had suggested she might seek a second recount or contest the election, said she did not see any paths forward to challenge Republican Del. David Yancey’s re-election. She tweeted about 45 minutes before the General Assembly convened that she was conceding with “great disappointment.” I have conceded because I do not see any legal pathways forward and I want representation for the 94th district today. — Shelly Simonds (@shelly_simonds) January 10, 2018

The disputed ballot that ended the race in a tie. Democrat Shelly Simonds had asked the court to reverse course and declare her the winner. (Ballot in court documents) WASHINGTON — A recount court has denied Democrat Shelly Simonds’ request to reconsider its finding that Virginia’s 94th District House race ended in a tie at 11,608 votes. The ruling, issued Wednesday, means the random drawing scheduled to decide the outcome of the recount between Simonds and Republican Del. David Yancey is set to move forward as planned Thursday morning barring any snow-related delays. (The Department of Elections said no schedule...

A three- judge panel declined to certify the recount of a key House race today, saying that a questionable ballot should be counted in favor of the Republican and tying a race that Democrats had thought they had won by a single vote. “The court declares there is no winner in this election,” said Circuit Court Judge Bryant L. Sugg, after the judges deliberated for more than two hours. The court’s decision leaves the race for the 94th District tied at 11,608 votes for each Del. David Yancey, the Republican incumbent, and Shelly Simonds, his Democratic challenger. And it leaves...

(Reuters) - Virginia Democrat Shelly Simonds won a seat in the House of Delegates by one vote, changing the power balance in the state legislature and extending a tide of Democratic victories beginning with November’s capture of the governorship and several legislative seats.