Delegate Kimble Requests Recount in Harrison County House Race After Narrow 6 Vote Margin

HARRISON COUNTY, W.Va. — One of the closest legislative races in West Virginia remains unresolved as Delegate Laura Kimble has announced she will request a recount in the Republican primary election for the 71st House District seat.

According to a statement released Wednesday, Kimble trails challenger Tim McNeely by just six votes following the most recent vote count, with unofficial totals showing McNeely receiving 688 votes to Kimble’s 682.

Kimble, who has represented the 71st District for the past six years, said the narrow margin and responsibility to voters led to her decision to move forward with a recount request.

“I must first say that I have full confidence in Mr. Spires, our County Clerk,” Kimble said in the release. “As of the last ballot count, the final outcome of this race was a margin of only 6 votes.”

Kimble emphasized that her request is not intended to challenge the integrity of the election process but instead to ensure every vote cast is properly accounted for.

“I have been honored to serve the people of Harrison County and District 71 for six years, and I owe it to them to make sure their votes were accurately counted,” she said.

She added that with such a narrow result, she felt obligated to seek a review of the totals.

“For the sake of my supporters and for those who worked so hard on my campaign, and with a margin so small, I must request a recount,” Kimble said.

The recount process is expected to take place in the coming days and could determine the final outcome of one of Harrison County’s closest legislative contests this election cycle.

District 71 serves portions of Harrison County and has been represented by Kimble since first winning election to the House of Delegates.