PORTSMOUTH, Va. — A recount for a Portsmouth City Council seat has officially confirmed the victory of Dr. William Dodson Jr. over incumbent Councilman De'Andre Barnes. The recount, prompted by Barnes, followed Election Day results showing Dodson ahead by just 21 votes.
Portsmouth Circuit Court Clerk Cynthia Morrison confirms Dodson won Tuesday's recount. His margin of victory extended to 33 votes, coming in at a total of 11,756 votes to Barnes' 11,723.
Barnes did not attend the recount proceedings, but Dodson reaffirmed his faith in the electoral system, stating, “No matter the outcome, I trust the process.”
The 2024 General Election in Portsmouth saw 11 candidates, including two incumbents, vying for three available council seats. Portsmouth School Board member Yolanda Edmonds Thomas led the field with 15.91% of the vote, followed by children’s ministry director Kathryn “Kitty” Bryant with 12.18%. Dodson secured the third and final seat with 11.84%, narrowly edging out Barnes.
The other incumbent who was running for re-election -- Mark Whitaker -- also lost, coming in fifth on election night.
Under Virginia law, candidates may request a recount if the margin of defeat is less than 1%. If the difference is under 0.5%, the state bears the costs; otherwise, the petitioning candidate must pay, unless the recount alters the results.
The recount hearing coincided with Barnes’ court appearance for recent legal troubles. He faced domestic assault charges stemming from his second arrest for a domestic-related incident in less than a month.
Dodson will be sworn in on Friday.
