Candidates don't want recount in 87th District House race

No recount will be requested by either candidate for the 87th District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates.

In a statement released by Mike D. Kondratick, the Democrat conceded to Republican David I. Ramadan despite just more than 50 votes separating the two.

“We won't be seeking a recount,” Kondratick said in an email Thursday.

“Unfortunately, Tuesday's election did not go our way,” Kondratick’s statement began. “After a spirited race, the voters of the 87th District ultimately chose our opponent by a slim margin of 51 votes. That result was confirmed in the final canvass [Wednesday].”

Wednesday evening, Ramadan insisted that even though the race was close, there was no need for a recount and that he will be the new district’s first delegate.

“All votes have been counted,” Ramadan said in a statement released that night. “There are some on the Democrat side, however, who are not satisfied with the outcome of the election held and may decide to pursue a costly legal and recount battle. That would be unfortunate, but one that we will vigorously defend. We believe the counties of Prince William and Loudoun conducted these elections — in a brand new district — admirably, proficiently and professionally. There [have] not been any complaints or concerns regarding a disenfranchised voter.”

Of the new district’s 22 precincts, two are within Prince William County.

“The votes have been cast, they have been confirmed, and in a few weeks, they will be certified,” Ramadan said in the statement.

The rest of the county’s delegate races were more decisive, with the Republicans winning all but the 52nd District, which was claimed by incumbent Luke E. Torian.

L. Mark Dudenhefer defeated Esteban Garces by more than 1,200 votes, 5,766  to 4,507, in the 2nd District race.

Robert G. “Bob” Marshall also retained his seat as the 13th District delegate, winning by nearly 2,000 votes. Marshall received 6,006, while his opponent, Carl S. Genthner, received 4,064.

L. Scott Lingamfelter defeated Roy D. Coffey for the 31st District seat, 8,435 to 5,929.

With the largest margin of victory among the Prince William-related delegate races, Timothy D. “Tim” Hugo received more than 74 percent of the vote to defeat Dianne L. Blais 11,564 to 4,019.

Jackson Hunter Miller and Richard L. Anderson, incumbents respectively representing the 50th and 51st Districts, were re-elected to their seats as they ran unopposed.

Staff writer Joe Conroy can be reached at 703-530-3912.