Recounts in 3 RI legislative races confirm original outcomes: 2 incumbents out, 1 staying
PROVIDENCE — Recounts have confirmed the defeat of two sitting legislators, one of them Rep. Justin Price, the Rhode Island Republican who took part in the Jan. 6, 2021, Trump rally in Washington and blamed the ensuing violence on "Antifa."
The state Board of Elections on Friday conducted the manual re-feeding of ballots cast in three close legislative races where the apparent losers requested recounts.
The recounts confirmed the defeat of Price, R-Richmond, by Democrat Megan Cotter, and Rep. Bernard Hawkins, a Smithfield Democrat, by Republican Brian Rea.
A third recount confirmed incumbent Rep. Camille Vella-Wilkinson's victory over Republican challenger Marie Hopkins in a close contest that drew attention for the high and unusual level of civility and good sportsmanship between the two.
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On election night, the two traded compliments for each having run "a clean campaign."
As previously reported by The Journal, Hopkins dropped by Vella-Wilkinson's house on the day before the Nov. 8 election.
Democrat Vella-Wilkinson posted this message on Facebook: "I was just paid a lovely visit by my opponent, who gave me a handwritten note and a Rocky Patel cigar as she wished me luck and thanked me for running a clean, respectful campaign. Right back at you, Marie!"
"During the 12 years that I have been in municipal and state government, there have only been two races where I faced a 'worthy opponent' who ran a clean race. The first was Michael Penta in 2016 and the second was my current opponent, Marie!" Vella-Wilkinson wrote.
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Hopkins responded: "I was not aware she had made this interaction public on FB the night before the election; but I am glad she did because it shows what sportsmanship is and how we should, as a community and as a state, and even as a nation, move forward together as TWO parties that accept ideological differences while appreciating our common ground."
According to Board of Elections spokesman Christopher Hunter, the recounts produced no changes in the final outcome of these three legislative races:
⬤ Cotter beat Price by 32 votes in House District 39.
⬤ Rea beat Hawkins by 58 votes in House District 53.
⬤ Vella-Wilkinson, the Democratic incumbent, beat Hopkins by 38 votes in House District 21.
State Rep. Joseph McNamara, who doubles as the state Democratic Party chairman, had this comment on the outcome:
"Rep. Vella-Wilkinson is a fierce advocate in our community, especially when it comes to protecting our environment and advocating for our veterans, I'm not surprised that the voters chose to reelect her.
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"I am also very excited to welcome Rep-elect Megan Cotter into the legislature, whom I already know has the drive and vision to accomplish great things. Congratulations to the both of them, and I look forward to collaborating to continue improving life for Rhode Islanders."
As it stands, there will be only five Republicans in the 38-member Senate and nine in the 75-member House when the legislature starts the new session in January. With the exception of one newly elected independent in the House, all of the other legislators will be Democrats.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Recount affirms defeat of RI Rep. who took part in Jan. 6 Trump rally
