ROANOKE, Va. (WDBJ) – As election night wrapped up Tuesday, Roanoke’s local elections showed unexpected results and potential historic firsts, setting the stage for possible shifts in city politics.

Lead the race for mayor

In a turn of events, former Mayor David Bowers took a narrow lead in the Roanoke mayoral race. Bowers, who has served the city in various political capacities over the years, was leading early Wednesday by a scant 19 votes over Vice Mayor Joe Cobb, at last count.

“I think people want change,” Bowers said. “I think they were fed up with what was going on at Roanoke City Hall and they wanted change. There were two candidates who were going to push for change, I think. “I was the one who came out with 19 votes, 19 angels fell from heaven.”

Bowers, who held office as a Democrat and independent, is now running as a Republican.

Cobb, a Democrat, was elected to the Roanoke City Council in 2018 and again in 2022.

last week, a Roanoke University Survey found that Cobb was leading the race by double digits against Bowers and Councilwoman Stephanie Moon-Reynolds.

But because provisional ballots have not yet been counted, the race remains too close to call. In accordance with Virginia state law, provisional ballots will only be counted if local election staff determine that the voter is eligible.

Under state law, a recount can be triggered if the margin between the candidates is less than 1% of the total votes cast, which could lead to a recount if the final count remains close.

Bowers says if there is a recount, he is confident he will prevail. Cobb says he would support a recount.

“I think it’s really important that we have a competitive race for mayor of the city,” Cobb said. “It’s such a critical throw. “I’m really proud of the campaign we ran and proud of Roanoke for turning out to vote.”

Since the race has not yet been called, the three candidates have a lot of respect for each other.

“I want to thank and congratulate David Bowers and Stephanie Moon Reynolds for running really good campaigns this year,” Cobb said.

“I honor Joe and Stephanie,” Bowers said. “We are fierce competitors but we are professional colleagues.”

Possible historic victories for the City Council

Meanwhile, the race for three open seats on the Roanoke City Council could lead to historic results. seven candidates They competed for seats, but Democrats Phazhon Nash and Terry McGuire maintained a strong lead throughout the night. Both received more than 17 thousand votes. Republican Nick Hagan came out on top in a tighter race of about a thousand votes for the third seat.

At just 25 years old, Nash will become the youngest person ever elected to the Roanoke City Council. Nash, a Democrat, expressed his excitement over the victory: “You know, in this election I have dedicated a year of my life, more than a year of my life, to this day, to be able to serve the citizens. of Roanoke and realize my vision of a happier, healthier and safer community; That means everything to me. I will work every day for the next four years to make that happen,” Nash said.

McGuire, another Democrat, is expected to get a spot on the council. McGuire received the most votes of the seven candidates. He spoke about the importance of the victory: “I seem to be in a very good position at the moment and it means a lot to me. This is my house. I’m from Roanoke. I care deeply about what happens throughout our city and our neighborhoods, so it means a lot to me that people trust me to represent them,” McGuire said.

On the Republican side, Hagan says he also made history, claiming the third council seat and becoming the first Republican elected to the Roanoke City Council in 24 years. His victory marks a significant change in a city where Democratic dominance has been the norm. “This is the first time a Republican has won Roanoke City in 24 years. It’s incredibly humiliating. A large number of Roanokers are ready for change and tired of the same old politics,” Hagan said.

The city council election results are not yet official as they await final certification.

Copyright 2024 WDBJ. All rights reserved.