PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) — State Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) is poised to win a ninth term in the Virginia Senate after securing the Democratic nomination for the newly drawn 18th district.
As of Wednesday morning, unofficial results have Lucas with 54% of the vote, over her opponent, State Sen. Lionell Spruill (D-Chesapeake), with 47%.
The primary was one of the most watched in the state with roughly $3 million raised between both candidates. It was the only one Tuesday in which two sitting incumbents faced off head-to-head due to the Commonwealth’s once in a decade redistricting process.
The new District 18 had more of Spruill’s old district than Lucas’, but Lucas out performed in precincts Spruill in theory should have won handily.
Spruill called Lucas late Tuesday to concede. While Lucas didn’t answer initially Spruill told reporters he was sure “she will call me back.”
Lucas danced into her victory party at Bide-A-Wee Golf Course, swinging and punching into the air, as she did in her boxing themed political ads.
“The state has said we have a champion, State Senator Louise Lucas,” an announcer said to loud applause.
Lucas dawned her boxing attire as she thanked her supporters.
“All these people believed in me. They knew I was telling the truth and they did not fall for the lies in the commercials,” Lucas said when asked why she won. “These people know how hard I work for them. No matter what anybody else had to say about it. They know I’ve worked for them for the thirty years I’ve been in the Senate and they are sending me back again because they know I will continue to deliver.”
Across town the atmosphere was quite quiet as Spruill gave his concession speech.
“Sad yes. But you know this business somebody has to lose somebody has to win,” Spruill said. “We know that. Can’t be bitter bout it because that’s our way of life. So you can’t be bitter about it. We gotta keep moving on.”
It was a heavyweight bout between two veteran political forces with a total of 60 years spent in the General Assembly, and only one could survive.
“I can’t tell you how energized I was. It was so strange. It was like a party the whole time. I was having a good time. I was hugging and kissing people,” Lucas said.
If Democrats hold control of the State Senate, it could mean even bigger positions of Louise Lucas.
She could be the first African American chair of the powerful State Senate Finance Committee.
“And what will that mean for Hampton Roads and Portsmouth and Chesapeake. It’s untold … we must work together to make sure Hampton Roads gets its share of the state pie,” Lucas said.
Lucas is expecting to face Portsmouth businessman Tony Goodwin as her Republican opponent for the November General Election. Due to the political makeup of the new Senate District 18, Lucas is nearly guaranteed a re-election.