Mathieson concedes, Villanueva wins

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Republican Ron Villanueva will represent the 21st District in Virginia's House of Delegates after challenger Democrat Bobby Mathieson conceded following a recount Monday.

On Election night, Republican Ron Villanueva edged out a 14 vote lead over incumbent Democrat Bobby Mathieson, just one tenth of one percent separating the two candidates. The slim margin led Mathieson to ask for a recount.

In an initial canvassing of votes, Mathieson had a small lead until absentee ballots were factored in. After the Board of Elections certified the results, Mathieson had ten days to request a recount.

In the end, Villanueva's margin of victory was 16 votes.

Mathieson conceded to Villanueva in a phone call Monday afternoon and thanked his supporters after the recount.

"The electoral process has now played itself out and we know who won with the most votes," Mathieson told WAVY News 10.  "This was a great process. We knew it had to be open and transparent with such a close margin this race had. We wanted to make sure we unturned every stone and I feel confident the process worked itself out well."

Villanueva's attorney and second district GOP Chairman Gary Byler said Villanueva was out of town on business.  "Ron would like to thank the voters of the 21st district for sending him to Richmond and he's looking forward to the General Assembly this year," Byler said.