Adam Ebbin and his “Common Ground and Common Sense” campaign resonated with voters and propelled him to victory Tuesday in Virginia’s 49th House of Delegates District.
"We have shown that we can find common ground and now we must bring common sense leadership to Richmond, a much harder task,” Ebbin said after his Democratic primary victory.
Ebbin, the only Alexandrian in the five-person race, won with 771 of the 2,600 votes cast, or 30 percent. Teresa Martinez came in second with 728 votes (28 percent) of the total cast. Martinez was followed by Andres Tobar, with 695 votes, Michael Graham with 273 votes and Nathan Monell with 133 votes.
As expected, Ebbin did well in his home precincts in Alexandria, garnering 47 percent of the vote in the Cora Kelly precinct and 48 percent of the total votes cast in the Mt. Vernon precinct. He also did well in Arlington’s eight precincts and Fairfax County’s four precincts.
“We won because we went door-to-door throughout the district talking to voters and we had a very good mail piece,” Ebbin said. “Also, we called every voter in Alexandria’s two precincts who participated in the last mayoral and City Council election. I am very excited and a little numb. I was prepared to lose but I also thought I might win.”
EBBIN HAS BEEN involved with the Alexandria Democratic Committee for some time and has been active in his condominium association. He is the first openly gay candidate to be elected to serve in the General Assembly.
Susan Kellom, the city's Democratic Party leader, was pleased with the quality of all five of the Democratic candidates. “We have five strong candidates,” she said. “Each one would make a fine delegate for the 49th District. In view of the fact that the Republicans have not yet designated a candidate, the winner of this primary will be headed to Richmond.”
Republicans did not designate anyone to run in the 49th District. However, Jay Test is running as a Republican in the 45th District and will oppose incumbent Marian Van Landingham in November.
“I have recovered quite nicely from my illness and am prepared to campaign in the fall,” Van Landingham said.
Incumbent State Sen. Patricia S. “Patsy” Ticer will also have a Republican opponent in November. Walter Stankewick from Arlington, will run against her.
“I look forward to the campaign,” Ticer said.
Ticer said she was pleased with the number of Democratic candidates who ran for the open seat in the 49th District.
“It was wonderful to see five qualified candidates running for this seat. It will be nearly impossible to replace Karen Darner but we are lucky that she will be around to provide support for the new delegate.”
Incumbent Democratic Del. Brian Moran (D-46) has no opponent.
The State Board of Elections has until July 28 to certify the candidates for the November election.