SURRY, Va. — A requested recount confirmed Tuesday that Republican Delegate Kim Taylor held a slight edge over Democratic challenger Kimberly Pope Adams in the race for House of Delegates District 82.
The two were battling it out for the newly drawn district encompassing the city of Petersburg and the surrounding counties of Prince George, Dinwiddie and Surry.
In a release Wednesday, Taylor's office said 53 votes affirmed the Republican's victory, with Taylor garnering 14,289 votes while Adams held 14,236 votes. Initial race results reported Taylor had won by 78 votes meaning Adams picked up 25 votes in the recount.
"Although this was a long process, we knew November's results would be upheld," Taylor said in a prepared statement. "I am thankful to all of the volunteers and elections officials who made this process as seamless as possible. I am proud of the campaign we ran, and I look forward to getting back to Richmond in January and delivering for the 82nd District."
Adams also released a statement reaffirming why she sought out a recount and congratulating Taylor on her victory.
"This race was far closer than many anticipated, and we petitioned for this recount to ensure every eligible voter had their ballot counted. With the final results in, it is now clear we came up just short," Adams said. "Throwing your hat in the ring and running for office is not an easy task, but I have absolutely no regrets about the campaign we ran or seeking this recount."
Adams requested the recount in November on the basis that Virginia law allows candidates to seek a recount if the margin is less than 1%, and the Department of Elections' results showed totals were separated by just 0.27% at the time.
Hampton Roads has seen two other recent recounts, both in 2021. In Virginia Beach, Del. Alex Askew ran against former Del. Karen Greenhalgh for re-election in a previously drawn district. Then, Askew picked up 12 votes in the recount process but ultimately lost the election to former Del. Greenhalgh.