NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) — Phillip Hawkins, who trails Carlos Clanton in the race for the Superward 7 seat on Norfolk City Council by less than 100 votes, has requested a recount.
Clanton, who said after the latest vote count Friday that he had been declared the winner of the Superward 7 seat on council, leads Hawkins by 92 votes. Clanton has 8,384 votes (22.58%) to Hawkins’ 8,292 votes. Rodney Jordan garnered 8,028 votes (21.62%), Christine Smith 7,076 votes (19.05%) and Leon Judge 5,054 votes (13.61%). There were also 302 write-in votes.
“The victory belongs to the people of Norfolk,” Clanton said in a news release. “I am deeply honored by the trust you have placed in me, and I am committed to serving every corner of our community. To everyone who participated in this election, regardless of you supported, thank you for being part of this democratic process. Now, the real work begins.”
He thanked current Superward 7 Councilwoman Danica Royster for her dedication and leadership and said he wanted “to continue building on that foundation to achieve meaningful progress for Norfolk.”
Hawkins noted that the margin separating the two, 0.25%, qualifies the race for a recount.
“Every single vote matters, and it’s essential that we ensure each vote is accurately counted and that the full legal process is honored,” Hawkins said in a news release. “This race reflects the voice and will of the people of Superward 7, and I am committed to upholding that voice by pursuing a recount to guarantee fairness and accuracy.”
Hawkins said he would officially begin the recount process Monday as outlined in Virginia State Code to ensure “that all eligible votes are counted, and that the voters of Norfolk Superward 7, as well as Phillip himself as a candidate, are given the complete and fair outcome they deserve.”
Clanton, however, said he is confident that the election results would be upheld.
“I know that Mr. Hawkins has requested a recount,” Clanton said. “I observed the count today from noon until its completion at 7:25 p.m., and I am confident that the election results will stand. All candidates were offered the same opportunity to observe the election count, ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the process.”
Clanton said he would provide more details on his transition to the Superward 7 seat on council Monday. He said that “together, we will work to address the pressing issues facing our city, including enhancing public safety, expanding affordable housing, driving economic growth and building environmental resilience.”
