The Virginian-Pilot
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PORTSMOUTH
A longtime economic development official and political newcomer will assume the seat long held by former Del. Kenneth Melvin.
Democrat Matthew James beat Republican Jennifer Lee in the race for the 80th House of Delegates District Tuesday.
The race marked both candidates' first run for political office.
Melvin's announcement in February that he planned to retire after 24 years from the General Assembly generated a lot of interest in his seat.
The district comprises much of downtown and southern Portsmouth and parts of Norfolk and Chesapeake.
A crowded field of potential Democratic contenders emerged.
Ultimately, James beat Portsmouth Councilman Doug Smith and longtime Cavalier Manor community leader Elijah "Buddy" Sharp III in the June 9 primary.
James, 54, campaigned on his more than 20 years of experience as an economic development professional.
He is president and chief executive officer of the Peninsula Council for Workforce Development in Newport News.
Lee, 55, emphasized her more than 30 years of experience in the health care industry.
The former Park View Civic League president campaigned on improving security in the district's neighborhoods though public-private partnerships.
She also focused on preparing students for regional jobs through spending a greater percentage of classroom money on training them.
Jen McCaffery, (757) 446-2627, jen.mccaffery@pilotonline.com
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