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Candidate formally requests recount in close House of Delegates race

Posted at 2:31 PM, Nov 29, 2017
and last updated 2017-11-29 16:20:27-05

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – The Democratic candidate for House of Delegates formally requested a recount in the 94th district on Wednesday.

Shelly Simonds currently trails the Republican incumbent David Yancey by ten votes. She filed the petition for a recount in Newport News circuit court.

Under state law, Simonds can request a recount at the cost of Newport News because the difference between the two candidates is less than half a percent.

Previously, Yancey’s staff told News 3 they expect to win a recount.

The race is being closely watch as it could determine which party is in control in the House. Results in two other districts also will likely be recounted.

Dr. Jesse Richman, a political science professor at ODU, said mistakes in counting the ballots could change the results, but it’s not likely. “Usually when there is a recount, the outcome comes back the same, but not always,” he said.