RICHMOND, Va. -- Charniele Herring, winner of a special election two weeks ago by just 16 votes, has finally been seated in the Virginia House of Delegates.
The 39-year-old Alexandria attorney was seated Monday, 13 days after winning a special election for the seat Brian Moran vacated when he resigned to run for governor full time.
"I am happy to finally put this process behind us and get to work for the people of Alexandria and Fairfax County," Herring said. "These are challenging times for Virginia, and I am humbled to have earned their support."
For eight successive floor sessions, majority Republicans blocked Democratic efforts to seat Herring until a recount demanded by the loser, Republican Joe Murray.
Monday's recount before three Alexandria Circuit Court judges did not change the initial results, and Herring was seated at the end of Monday's floor session.
"We are thrilled to have Charniele with us," said House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong. "She will bring a unique perspective to our team, and I look forward to working with her."
