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Karen Greenhalgh officially became the delegate-elect from the 85 district after a recount verified that she defeated Democratic incumbent Alex Askew. Due to an extremely close margin (202 votes), the recount took place to confirm the results.
With Greenhalgh’s victory, the Republicans officially took the majority in the House of Delegates. “Now that the majority is official, we can move forward with a timely transition as to be prepared to work on day one,” Speaker-designee Todd Gilbert said in a statement Friday. If the recount in another race confirms the results as well, Republicans will have a 52-48 majority.
Shortly after the recount in district 85 was finalized, Gilbert announced that Del. Barry Knight (R-Virginia Beach) will serve as chairman of the House Appropriations Committee.
“I am thrilled to announce that Delegate Knight will serve as the next Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Barry has served diligently on the committee for many years and will aptly transition into his role as Chairman,” Gilbert said.
The Appropriations Committee decides which legislation receives funding each session.
“The General Assembly has a significant task ahead of us as we address the ongoing impacts of COVID-19 on Virginia families and businesses,” Gilbert continued. “While our current financial picture is good, we must confront the ongoing increases in everyday costs the citizens of Virginia are seeing. The House Appropriations Committee, working with Governor-elect Youngkin and the Virginia Senate, will need to find solutions to ease the financial burdens Virginians are facing due to inflation.”
Knight was the ranking Republican member of the committee when Democrats were in the majority.
“I thank Speaker-designee Gilbert for his confidence in me to serve as the next House Appropriations Committee Chairman,” said Delegate Knight. “As a resident of Virginia Beach, I’ve seen up close the impacts on families and businesses COVID-19 has had and I’m committed to working with Governor-elect Youngkin and the Senate to address the rising cost of living on Virginians.”
Knight was also named the 2021 legislator of the year by the Virginia Chamber in a Friday. “I am deeply honored to be presented this award,” Knight said. “I have always been an advocate for a business-friendly climate in Virginia and will continue to do so in the future.”
The legislative session begins on Jan. 13.
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