VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Democratic Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler won a three-way contest for the new 96th District for the Virginia House of Delegates, the Associated Press reports.
Convirs-Fowler was up against Republican candidate Mike Karslake and Independent candidate Nicholas Olenik.
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As of 12 a.m. Wednesday, unofficial results showed Convirs-Fowler leading with 57% of the vote. Karslake had 40% while Olenik had 3%.
Convirs-Fowler represented the old House 21st District since 2018, saying "I will serve as long as I am needed."
Convirs-Fowler, who was a teacher in Virginia Beach, told 13News Now that she's most concerned about student learning loss from the pandemic and plans to create a nonpartisan task force to help identify and assess learning gaps.
All three candidates vying for the newly-drawn 96th district, which encompasses central Virginia Beach to the city's southwest border, have Virginia Beach roots. Historically, the district has largely backed Democratic candidates, according to the Virginia Public Access Project (VPAP).
Convirs-Fowler will be sworn in on January 10, when the 2024 session of the Virginia General Assembly convenes.