by Megan Schiffres
KILMARNOCK—Republican Corey A. Stewart has been nominated by his party to challenge incumbent Democratic U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine in the November 6 election.
Stewart narrowly defeated Nick J. Frietas in the Tuesday primary, to win the statewide Republican nomination with 136,410 votes, or 44.86%, according to unofficial results posted at the Virginia Department of Elections website. Frietas had 131,131 votes, or 43.1%; and E.W. Jackson, 36,537 votes, or 12.02%.
Both Northumberland and Lancaster counties strayed from the majority of Virginia Republicans and supported Frietas.
In Northumberland, Frietas won 770 votes, or 69.68% of the vote where 1,105 people participated in the primary. Stewart had 298 votes, or 26.97%; and Jackson, 37, or 3.35%.
In Lancaster, Friestas won 534 votes, or 63.72% of the 838 votes cast. Stewart had 240 votes, or 28.64%; and Jackson, 64, or 7.64%.
First District
In the First District, Vangie A. Williams was nominated by the Democratic Party for the U.S. House of Representatives and will run against incumbent Republican Rep. Rob Wittman.
Williams won 11,001 votes, or 39.91% of the vote, while Edwin Santara Jr. came in second with 9,020 votes, or 32.72%, and John B. Suddarth lost the nomination with 7,546 votes, 27.37% of total Democratic voters.
In Northumberland, Williams won 277 votes, or 47.84% of the 579 votes cast; Suddarth had 191 votes, or 32.99%; and Santana, 111 votes, or 19.1%.
Williams also won the Democratic vote in Lancaster, securing the district with 327 votes, or 58.19% of the 562 votes cast; Suddarth had 135 votes, or 24.02%; and Santana, 100 votes, or 17.79%.
Voter participation in both Lancaster and Northumberland decreased during this primary election, compared to voter turnout in last year’s gubernatorial primary.
“I think it’s pretty much expected,” said Ed Johnson, vice chairman of the Northumberland County Electoral Board.
In Northumberland voter turnout dropped by 9.42%, and this year 3.88% fewer Lancaster residents voted than did last year.