Portsmouth, Va. – Long‑time City Council member Bill Moody announced Thursday night that, after a ten‑day delay, he discovered he was defeated in his bid for an eighth consecutive term by challenger Mark Whitaker. The margin was a razor‑thin 21 votes, well under the 0.5 percent threshold that triggers an automatic recount request.
Recount request filed
Moody posted a statement to Facebook stating, “I will be requesting a recount which I am entitled to given the difference is under 0.5%.” He emphasized that the narrow margin warrants a thorough review to ensure the integrity of the election.
Initial night‑of‑election reporting
On election night, several media outlets, including News 3, reported Moody as the winner of one of the three council seats on the ballot. Those early reports were based on the initial vote tallies available that evening.
Delay raises concerns
Moody criticized the ten‑day lag in confirming the final results, calling it “a travesty of our local electoral system.” He warned that such delays can “create mistrust, fuel conspiracy theories, and undermine public confidence in our democratic process,” adding that this is not healthy for Portsmouth or its citizens.
Potential impact on city leadership
If the recount upholds the current count, Moody’s departure would end more than 28 years of continuous service on the council. He described his seven consecutive terms as “one of the greatest honors of my life” and thanked voters for their support.
Next steps
The Portsmouth Registrar’s Office has not yet been contacted to independently verify the updated vote totals or to confirm the status of the recount. News 3 plans to follow up with the Registrar’s Office when it opens on Friday.
Moody’s statement in full
“On Election night I was declared the winner of one of the 3 council seats on the ballot by some media outlets. Tonight, 10 days after the election, I have learned that apparently I have lost my bid for an 8th term by 21 votes to Mark Whitaker. I will be requesting a recount which I am entitled to given the difference is under 0.5%. It is a travesty of our local electoral system that it takes 10 days to determine the outcome of an election. Such delays create mistrust, fuel conspiracy theories, and undermine public confidence in our democratic process. That is not healthy for our city or our democracy. As I prepare to leave the Portsmouth City Council, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made possible my historic seven consecutive terms. Serving the citizens of Portsmouth for more than 28 years has been one of the greatest honors and highlights of my life. Throughout my many years on Council, I have always tried to do what I believed was right for ALL of our citizens and for the future of our city. Thank you for your confidence, your support, your encouragement, and the privilege of allowing me to represent you for so many years. While this chapter of my public service comes to a close, my love for Portsmouth and my commitment to its future will never end. God bless you, and God bless our beloved city of Portsmouth.”
Community response
Local residents and civic groups have expressed mixed reactions. Some praise Moody’s decades of service, while others stress the importance of a transparent recount process to preserve confidence in local elections.
Portsmouth officials have not yet issued a formal comment on the recount request, but the city’s election officials are expected to follow state guidelines for handling close races.
Original reporting: WTKR News 3 (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
