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Incumbents sweep Henrico supervisor elections

Ronald E. Carrington | 11/8/2019, 6 a.m.
Incumbents won the day Tuesday, with all five members of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors winning re-election.

Incumbents won the day Tuesday, with all five members of the Henrico County Board of Supervisors winning re-election.

Frank J. Thornton, who was first elected to the Fairfield

District seat in 1995, handily beat challenger Delta R. Bowers. He won 73.72 percent of the vote, compared with 25.84 percent for Dr. Bowers.

The 78-year-old Mr. Thornton has said this will be his last four-year term on the board. The retired Virginia Union University French professor has been praised by district residents for his vision for the future, his workable ideas, the ability to represent all citizens and his commitment to civic service.

Varina District Supervisor Tyrone E. Nelson, who currently serves as chairman of the Board of Supervisors, was re-elected for a third term. He won 69.48 percent of the vote on Tuesday, while his challenger, Angela L. Rowe, received 29.78 percent. Rev. Nelson is pastor of Sixth Mount Zion Baptist Church in Jackson Ward.

During his term on the board, more than $150 million has been invested in Varina schools, with a new Highland Springs High School to open in 2021.

Others returning to the board are Patricia S. “Pat” O’Bannon of the Tuckahoe District, who defeated challenger Marques D. Jones with 63.91 percent of the vote to his 35.86 percent.

Also Brookland District Supervisor Dan J. Schmitt, who won a special election in 2018 to take a seat on the board, was elected to his first, full four-year term, with 58.75 percent of the vote. He defeated challenger J. Steven Burkarth, who received 40.99 percent of the vote.

Three Chopt District Supervisor Thomas M. “Tommy” Branin ran uncontested, winning 96.7 percent of the vote.