Aila Boyd
[email protected]
Craig County voters turned out in strong support of Republican candidates in the Nov. 4 General Election even as Democrats prevailed in statewide races.
According to unofficial results from the Virginia Department of Elections, 2,280 ballots were cast in Craig County, representing about 57% of the county’s 3,973 registered voters.
In the race for governor, Republican Winsome Earle-Sears received 79.27% (1,801 votes) in Craig County, while Democrat Abigail D. Spanberger earned 20.47% (465 votes). Statewide, Spanberger won the election with 57.32% (1,941,150 votes) to Earle-Sears’ 42.48% (1,438,721 votes).
Republican John J. Reid II carried Craig County in the lieutenant governor’s race with 80.08% (1,797 votes) compared to Democrat Ghazala F. Hashmi’s 19.56% (439 votes). Hashmi, however, secured the seat statewide, garnering 55.40% (1,865,919 votes) to Reid’s 44.34% (1,493,483 votes).
In the race for attorney general, Craig County voters gave Jason S. Miyares, the Republican incumbent, 82.69% (1,858 votes) over Democrat Jay C. Jones, who received 17.13% (385 votes). Statewide results favored Jones, who won with 52.89% (1,772,026 votes) to Miyares’ 46.71% (1,564,961 votes).
For the 37th District House of Delegates, incumbent Republican Terry L. Austin received 80.21% (1,799 votes) in Craig County, while Democrat Andrew W. Hartless earned 19.17% (430 votes). Across the district, Austin won re-election with 69.81% (25,469 votes) to Hartless’ 29.75% (10,855 votes).
Local races also appeared on the ballot. In the Board of Supervisors contests, Jesse P. Spence ran unopposed in the New Castle District, receiving 98.85% (344 votes). In the Simmonsville District, Brian D. Lipes defeated Shaun C. VanDyke with 56.75% (286 votes) to 42.86% (216 votes).
Uncontested School Board races included Shannon R. Whitlock in the New Castle District (98.53%, 334 votes), Heather D. Matheney in the Craig Creek District (98.32%, 409 votes), and Darren R. Gilreath in the Simmonsville District (98.64%, 435 votes).
Election results will be certified by the state in the coming days.
