Unofficial Reeves Victory Gives GOP Senate Control

Republican Bryce Reeves has an unofficial 86-vote lead over incumbent Sen. Edd Houck in the state's closest General Assembly race.

Although Reeves thanked voters for choosing him, the announcement of an official winner isn't expected to come until later Wednesday. The control of the state senate hinges on who raises his hand in victory.

With all 69 precints reporting, Reeves leads Houck 22,536 to 22,450, a difference of only 86 votes. There were 70 write-in ballots cast in the election. Reeves leads Houck 50.01 percent to 49.82 percent. An unknown number of provisional ballots are to be counted later Wednesday, according to The Washington Post, leaving open the possibilty that Houck could still squeak out a win.

"It has been a long night, but with all precincts now reporting at 100 percent, I am honored to have been chosen to serve as the next State Senator from the 17th District of Virginia," said Reeves in an email to supporters issued just after midnight. "This was a hard fought campaign, and I want to thank Edd Houck for his service to our Commonwealth."

Reeves also thanked his campaign staff and volunteers, and stressed the importance of every vote in American elections.

"They say every vote counts; this race proves it," wrote Reeves. "Now it is time to move on to the far more important work of governing. I look forward to joining with Governor Bob McDonnell in Richmond to advance common sense policies that will get Virginians back to work and reform our government to better serve the taxpayers."

Houck could not be reached for comment after midnight.

With the race so close, Houck can legally call for a recount. Under Virginia election law, Houck can ask for a recount of the ballots because the vote difference is less than 1 percent. In order to do this, Houck would have to file an appeal of the Virginia State Board of Election's for a recount.