Brewer defeats Jenkins in Senate District 17 race

Published 12:15 am Wednesday, November 8, 2023

In a bevy of tight races across Virginia, voters in Senate District 17 will likely have elected Republican Emily Brewer to represent them in the Senate of Virginia.

Brewer faced Democrat Clinton Jenkins and, according to unofficial vote tallies, captured 52% of the vote in the district, which includes Suffolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, Emporia, Franklin, Southampton County, Isle of Wight County, Greensville County, Dinwiddie County and Brunswick County.

Throughout the night, the percentages went back and forth between the two candidates.

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At home in Suffolk, Jenkins carried the city with 16,647 votes, or 53% of the vote to Brewer’s 46.5%. Brewer carried Isle of Wight with a commanding 65.2% of the vote. 

Although she did not come out and declare victory, she did say she was ready to continue to be a solution-minded legislator.

“We get to represent some more folks and communities,” Brewer said. “We’re honored to be able to do that, and since I’ve been doing this the past couple of years, I’ve always said that ultimately, voters want someone who’s going to be a solutionist and help them in their time of need, and that’s the way I’ve always done this.”

Likewise, Jenkins did not concede defeat. He said he was happy to be part of the process, and once it is all said and done, the voters made their choice.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to participate in the process,” Jenkins said. “At the end of the day, when it’s all said and done, the citizens, the constituents would have spoken. Those who are true servants won’t stop serving.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 3:12 p.m. on Nov. 8 with the latest vote totals.