VIRGINIA BEACH — Andrew Rice, a Republican political newcomer, won the race for Virginia House District 98 with 62% of the vote, according to unofficial results.
A special election was held Tuesday in Virginia Beach. Rice 39, faced Democrat Cheryl Smith, 63. The seat was left vacant after the death last month of longtime Del. Barry Knight, a Republican. Rice will serve the remainder of Knight’s two-year term.
Rice was ahead by more than 2,900 votes as of 9 p.m. Tuesday night with 100% of the precincts reporting. Mailed absentee, provisional and post election ballots have not yet been tallied.
“I am deeply grateful to the voters of Virginia Beach for placing their trust in me to represent House District 98,” Rice said in a statement. “This victory belongs to our entire community, and I am honored by the opportunity to serve you in the Virginia General Assembly.”
The district had 18% voter turnout with more than 11,700 ballots cast, according to the Virginia Department of Elections. House District 98 has 65,693 voters and stretches from the resort area’s south end to the North Carolina border.
Rice, who graduated from Virginia Military Institute before earning a law degree from Regent university, lives in Pungo. He’s a Virginia Beach Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney and been a prosecutor for more than 15 years and has served on the Department of Juvenile Justice board.
Smith unsuccessfully challenged Knight last year earning 43% of the vote.