11 hours ago
Sanu Dieng-Cooper declares victory Newport News Treasurer primary by 85 votes
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) — While Sanu Dieng-Cooper has declared victory in her race to be the Democratic nominee for Treasurer this November, her race is currently in the margin for a possible recount.
With all precincts reporting, the current policy director for the Virginia Sexual & Domestic Violence Action Alliance has an 85 vote lead over Derek Reason. Both are vying to be the Democrat that replaces longtime treasurer Marty Eubank, who announced his intention to retire after leading the office for seven terms.
Given that more than 12,100 voters participated in Tuesday's primary, the less than 1% margin may give Reason the right to ask for a recount, pending the outcome of provisional ballots cast.
As of Wednesday afternoon, Dieng-Cooper said Reason hadn't called to concede.
'I'm excited. This was a win for the people,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'We heard their voices in each and every vote. I know people always wonder, 'does my vote matter?' And I think that this is a race that tells folks everything. Single vote and voice matters.'
The electoral board is expected to meet Monday for the provisional count.
'We are confident that we have won this, race and look forward to November,' Dieng-Cooper said.
Reason did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Unlike the Commonwealth's Attorney primary, where Shannon Jones is now running unopposed in November, Dieng-Cooper still faces an independent challenger and could have faced two.
Longtime Newport News Treasurer Marty Eubank endorsed Dieng-Cooper.
However, he ended up filing paperwork to run for reelection as an independent, in the case Dieng-Cooper didn't win the primary. He said he made that decision after hearing comments at the NAACP candidates forum.
'I am trying only to position myself [just] in case,' Eubank told 10 On Your Side. 'Elections can be unpredictable. In the event that 1% off the chance the Sanu is not elected. I will be here to protect this office.'
Dieng-Cooper said Eubank plans to bow out of the race.
'I've been in touch with him last night and this morning and he is he is excited,' Dieng-Cooper said. 'For him to have done his due diligence and make sure that I was qualified and had the best intentions for Newport News residents, I truly appreciate that he did his research and, put his full support behind me.'
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