In the City Council’s most hotly contested race, Bruce Tyler, an architect backed by the business community, beat four other contestants to take the 1st District. He took 40 percent of the vote in Richmond’s West End, compared to 33 for his nearest rival, Paul Goldman. The two allegedly had a verbal spat at Mary Munford Elementary, a polling place on Election Day. Trailing behind were hopefuls Tom Vance, Mark Pounders and Dan Wilkins.
Incumbent Bill Pantele, who represents the 2nd District, which encompasses VCU, beat challenger Patrick Kjelberg by a 2-to-1 margin. Garnering 3,992 votes to 1,730 for Kjelberg, Pantele and three others beat back opponents to stay on the council.
In the 5th District, E. Martin “Marty” Jewell defeated Silver Persinger, who garnered about 900 votes. Ellen Robertson soundly defeated Lawrence Williams Sr., who ran against L. Douglas Wilder in the 2004 mayoral campaign. Delores McQuinn also survived a campaign by former school board member R.M. “Reggie” Malone Sr., winning by about 600 votes of 4,200 cast.
But not every council member will return. Former member Reva Trammell, will be back on City Council after ousting Jackie Jackson in the 8th District. Newcomer Marie Coone garnered 359 votes in that race. Douglas G. Conner Jr. upset Eugene Mason Jr. by 329 votes to take the 9th District.
Chris Hilbert of the 3rd and Kathy Graziano of the 4th District won unopposed.
In Chesterfield County, Donald D. Sowder topped Daniel Gecker by about 2,000 votes in a special election to replace Ed Barber, who resigned after a sexual abuse conviction. Gecker’s loss means an entirely Republican Board of Supervisors.