Andrew Rice Claims Victory Over Democratic Rival in Virginia Special Election Showdown

In a decisive victory, Andrew Rice, a Republican contender, emerged victorious over his Democratic rival, Cheryl Smith, in a special election held to occupy a vacant seat in Virginia’s District 98 for the House of Delegates. This win was confirmed by the New York Times with Rice securing 7,316 votes, translating to 62.5% of the total, while Smith garnered 4,392 votes, accounting for 37.5%.

Rice’s commanding 25-point margin of victory underscores a shift in the district’s political landscape, following the success of former Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears in the recent gubernatorial election. Earle-Sears, representing the Republican party, had previously clinched the district with a 6.7-point lead over her Democratic opponent, now-Governor Abigail Spanberger. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Earle-Sears captured 53.3% of the vote, translating to 19,057 ballots, compared to Spanberger’s 46.6% and 16,677 votes.

Rice’s 25-point lead comes after former Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears (R) won Virginia’s House of Delegates District 98 in the November gubernatorial election, against now-Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).

Earle-Sears won the district by 6.7 points more than Spanberger. She received 19,057 votes, or 53.3 percent of the vote, while Spanberger received 16,677 votes, or 46.6 percent of the vote, according to the Virginia Public Access Project website.

The special election for the vacant seat comes after the death of former Virginia Delegate Barry Knight (R), the Virginian-Pilot reported. As the winner, Rice “will serve the remainder of Knight’s two-year term.”

Both Rice, who is a Virginia Beach Deputy Commonwealth’s Attorney, and Smith, who previously “challenged Knight,” were described as “political newcomers.”