Krupicka Defeats Gautney in Democratic Caucus

Rob Krupicka is the Democratic nominee for the 45th District House of Delegates seat. 

The Alexandria City Councilman defeated Karen Gautney 1,540 to 891 after caucus voting ended Saturday at .

“I couldn’t be here without the amazing group of friends I made when I entered public life in this city,” Krupicka said shortly after the results were announced. “It was great seeing all those friends come out despite the governor’s best effort to throw one past us.”

Gov. Bob McDonnell announced the date of a Sept. 4 special election less than two weeks ago, causing both parties to scramble to nominate a candidate. Krupicka will face .

The seat opened when . Englin had previously said he after admitting to an extramarital affair.

Two provisional ballots were not entered into the total vote count on Saturday. After at Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, printed another 800 for Saturday’s voting. Those ballots went quickly, so another 1,000 were printed during the day on Saturday. 

“Just unbelievable turnout,” Alexandria Democratic Committee Chair Dak Hardwick said. “The voters of the 45th responded magnificently to a shotgun election. The candidates are to be congratulated for their outreach to voters. We look forward to sending Rob Krupicka to the General Assembly.”

Gautney, who was endorsed by Englin when he announced his resignation from the seat, said she’s completely behind Krupicka.

“We have to let the governor know this dirty trick will not work,” Gautney said. “We have to make sure in September we rock this town.”

If Krupicka defeats McGhee in September, he will have to resign from City Council before taking the oath of office for his new office. The Circuit Court would then appoint someone to finish out Krupicka's term, which expires at the end of the year.