VA House Leaders Of Both Parties Named With 2 Recounts Possible

VIRGINIA — Republicans have selected nominations for Virginia House of Delegates leadership after claiming victory for majority control in the Nov. 2 election. While it appears Republicans have gained the majority, two close House races may be eligible for a recount.

The Associated Press confirmed Republicans have at least 50 of the seats in the 100-seat House of Delegates. Two races remained uncalled due to small leads by Republican candidates. In House districts 85 and 91, candidates are separated by a margin below 0.5 percent, making the races eligible for recounts. If Republicans hold onto the leads, the House majority would be 52-48.

Republicans also won the statewide governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general races in the Nov. 2 election.

Districts 85 and 91 both are in the Hampton Roads region. According to Virginia Department of Elections unofficial election results, 85th district Democratic incumbent Alex Q. Askew received 49.73 percent of the vote to Republican Karen S. Greenhalgh's 50.17 percent. In the 91st district, Democratic incumbent Martha M. Mugler received 49.03 percent of the vote to Republican A. C. Cordoza's 49.36 percent.

With the initial results favoring a Republican House majority, the Virginia Republican House Caucus nominated their choices for House leadership. Del. Todd Gilbert, who has been the Republican minority leader for the last two years under Democratic control of the House, was nominated to be the 57th speaker of the House. Gilbert, first elected in 2005, represents the 15th district. The district includes Page and Shenandoah Counties, as well as parts of Warren and Rockingham Counties.

Del. Kirk Cox, who served as House speaker before Democrats gained control, released a statement in support of Gilbert's nomination.

"During my tenure as Speaker, Todd served as Majority Leader. He was instrumental in leading our caucus and once again proved to be a capable debater," stated Cox. "I remain grateful for Todd’s support during these particular two years."

"Todd also deserves effusive praise for leading the House Republican Caucus through our last two years in the minority," Cox added. "Todd put in the hard work necessary to retain our House majority."

In addition to Gilbert's nomination, Del. Terry Kilgore was nominated as House majority leader. Del. Kathy Byron was nominated for a second term as caucus chair, while Del. Jay Leftwich was nominated as House majority whip for a second term.

Governor-elect Glenn Youngkin also congratulated the Republican leadership nominees.

"Virginians spoke with a clear voice—they voted for better schools, safer streets, a lower cost of living, and more jobs—and they expect us to deliver, on Day One," stated Youngkin. "The leadership team of Todd Gilbert, Terry Kilgore, Kathy Byron, and Jay Leftwich elected today by the Virginia House Republican Caucus is best positioned to work with Virginia Democrats to get results for Virginians."

On Monday, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus nominated their own leadership. Current House Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn was nominated as Democratic leader, and current House Majority leader was nominated as caucus chair.

Filler-Corn noted that two races were likely going to be recounted, but the Democratic caucus was "preparing to look ahead."

"The House Democratic Caucus will continue to strive toward a better Virginia for all, and as Leader, I will fight to ensure those in power put the needs of Virginians first and hold them accountable if and when they fail to do so," stated Filler-Corn.

After the 2019 election, Democrats gained a trifecta of power in Virginia with the governor, House and Senate. Republicans would not be eligible for a trifecta until 2023 when the next Virginia Senate elections happen.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.