2 days ago
Sanu Dieng-Cooper leads Newport News treasurer's race by less than 100 votes
Sanu Dieng-Cooper claimed victory over Derek Reason Tuesday night for the Democratic nomination for Newport News treasurer, though she leads her opponent by less than 100 votes.
Dieng-Cooper's camp declared victory late Tuesday, having garnered 50.4% of the ballots cast, according to the state Department of Elections. Reason received 49.7% of the vote. He declined to comment on whether he would concede the race or request a recount.
Tuesday's results are unofficial and don't include provisional ballots, which will be tallied as part of the canvassing process throughout the week before results are finalized Monday. It is unclear how many provisional ballots remain outstanding. Dieng-Cooper and Reason were separated by 85 votes, according to Wednesday vote tallies. If the race is within a percentage point, candidates can request a recount that they pay for; if the totals are within 0.5%, the city will pay for a recount.
Dieng-Cooper said she was proud of Newport News residents for choosing experience and transparency.
'This is a victory for the residents of Newport News for wanting more, for wanting substance, and holding me accountable to what I could deliver,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'I'm looking forward to serving them and elevating the office.'
Dieng-Cooper's win would pave the way for longtime treasurer Marty Eubank to drop out of the race.
Eubank opted not to seek reelection in March and endorsed Dieng-Cooper. But Eubank opted to reenter the race in May, filing as an independent, as a way to challenge Reason in case he won the Democratic nomination.
'I fully and 100% endorse and back Sanu Cooper,' Eubank said in a statement Tuesday before polls closed. 'I will immediately drop out of the General Election if Mrs. Cooper wins the primary tonight. If Derek Reason wins, I stay in the race.'
Dieng-Cooper, 39, holds a degree from Hampton University and has more than a decade of experience in financial management, including holding two executive positions with nonprofits. She also said she wants to use constituent feedback to help gauge Newport News' financial health.
She also said she would engage the community and increase transparency with budgeting workshops and a new app designed to alert taxpayers to their payments and connect them to the treasurer's office and other resources.
Independent Justin Kennedy is also running in the November General Election. Kennedy ran unsuccessfully last year for Newport News City Council.
Devlin Epding, 757-510-4037,
