William Howell, speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates, faced down his primary challenger Tuesday handily, winning his party's nomination by taking more 60 percent of the vote before 8 p.m.
His race was perhaps the most watched of 18 contested legislative elections around the state. Howell faced Susan Stimpson, a tea party favorite and former political protege of the speaker.
Stimpson mounted an aggressive campaign with help from outside groups that have attacked Howell as pro-tax and anti-gun rights, stances the speaker has strongly denounced.
Some Howell voters said they are supporting him because of his constituent-services work and criticized the tone of Stimpson's campaign.
Howell voter Jeff Smith, who owns an insurance agency, said he supported Stimpson when she previously served as a chairman of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors, but thought her campaign was "too negative.''
"She had a good thing going, but she turned off a lot of voters,'' Smith said.
Stimpson supporter Dave Johnston, a consultant, said he thought Howell's 28 years in office was enough.
"I just thought it was time for a change,'' Johnston said.
Other races were decided throughout Northern Virginia:
In the Democratic primary for Virginia Senate District 29, Jeremy McPike defeated Delegate Michael Futrell and Marine-turned-teacher Atif Qarni.
In the Virginia House of Delegates Republican primaries, Mark Dudenhefer defeated Timothy Ciampaglio in District 2. In District 29, Christopher Collins beat incumbent Delegate Mark Berg.
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In the House Democratic primaries, Paul Krizek defeated Justin Brown in District 44. In District 45, Mark Levine won against four other challengers.
More winners:
- The winners of the Arlington County Board Democratic primary are Katie Cristol and Christian Dorsey.
- The winner of the Democratic Fairfax County Supervisor, Mason District primary is Penelope Gross.
- The winner of the Democratic Fairfax County Supervisor, Mount Vernon District primary is Dan Storck.
- Rick Gerhardt won the Republican nomination for Fauquier County Supervisor, Cedar Run District.
- Eric Olsen won the Republican nomination for Stafford County Commonwealth’s Attorney.
- The winner of the Stafford County Supervisor, Rock Hill District is Wendy Maurer.
