In something out of a movie, it looks like Democrats in Virginia are about to score a huge victory based on a single vote
- Virginia Democrats won a statehouse seat on Tuesday by just one vote.
- The result followed a recount from last month's statewide elections.
- The Democratic victory means the Republican majority in the Virginia House of Delegates is no more.
Virginia Democrats appeared to secure a massive victory on Tuesday - by just a single vote.
In a recount following November's Virginia elections, Virginia House candidate Shelly Simonds, a Democrat, was found to have won her election over Republican incumbent David Yancey by just won vote, with a final tally of 11,608 to 11,607.
Incredibly, that single vote will likely prove to be the difference in which party controls the Virginia House. Ahead of the results, Republicans were set to hold a 51-to-49 majority, with Yancey earlier projected as the winner. But with Simonds now determined to be the winner, the House has a 50-50 split.
On Wednesday, a three-judge panel has to certify the results. But already, Virginia Republicans conceded that they lost their majority.
"After a close recount it appears the citizens of the 94th District have elected Shelly Simonds to the Virginia House of Delegates, pending confirmation by a three judge panel," a statement from Virginia Republican House leadership said. "We congratulate Delegate-elect Simonds and welcome her to this historic body. We also thank Delegate David Yancey for his distinguished service."
Jordan Pascale, a reporter for the Virginian Pilot, noted that there were no contested ballots.
"This is the wildest thing I've ever covered," he tweeted.