Shelly Simonds Concedes To David Yancey In Virginia Tiebreaker Race

Shelly Simonds, the Democratic candidate for a Virginia House of Delegates seat, conceded the election to Republican David Yancey on Wednesday, marking the end of a wild election that came down to picking names from a bowl.

Last week, state officials determined the tied vote  for the 94th District seat by drawing Yancey’s name, thus ensuring Republicans would retain control of the House of Delegates.

Simonds’ concession ends speculation that she would ask for another recount or pursue legal action opposing the random drawing, which she’d previously asked a local court to prevent.

The unusual election results had caught national attention. While Yancey was initially declared the winner of the November election, a recount deemed Simonds the victor by one vote. But when a court reviewed the recount, Yancey’s lawyers found a single ballot they believed should have been counted for the Republican. The court agreed to accept it, and the race became a tie.