Ebbin Briefly Basks in Victory, Preps for Senate Race

In a tight race on a memorable day, Adam Ebbin won the Democratic nomination to represent Virginia’s 30th District but lost Alexandria to City Councilman Rob Krupicka.

Ebbin won 38.76 percent of the total vote, but Alexandria went to Krupicka, who garnered 47.63 percent of the Alexandria vote. 

Ebbin won Cora Kelly and Mount Vernon Recreation Center precincts in Alexandria.

“I’ve represented those precincts for the last eight years,” Ebbin told Patch at his victory party Tuesday night at in Del Ray. “It’s gratifying they supported me considering Rob carried Alexandria so well. I'm proud that those constituents stayed with me.”

In Alexandria, 10.48 percent of total voters cast their ballots. Including the relevant Arlington and Fairfax precincts, 8.432 percent of total voters cast ballots for Virginia’s 30th Senate seat.

“All three candidates are good candidates,” retiring Sen. Patsy Ticer told Patch as she went into City Hall to vote, adding that she supported Arlington County School Board member Libby Garvey “because we need more women in Richmond. … We need that common sense.”

Garvey trailed Krupicka and Ebbin in all districts except for three in Arlington and three in Fairfax.

During his brief victory speech, Ebbin said: “Today, we couldn’t even have an earthquake stop us.”

The day was rocked by uncertainty when a 5.9 magnitude earthquake hit the East Coast at 1:51 p.m., calling into question whether voters would be able to make it to the polls into the afternoon and evening.

However, after some polls closed, reopened or relocated, the primary continued until polls official shuttered at 7 p.m.

Ebbin supporter Hazel Rigby stationed herself outside of City Hall offering literature to voters and said she supported Ebbin becaue he’s the “most qualified” and a “good guy.”

She added that his willingness to take on issues that other legislators might ignore, such as human trafficking, impressed her.

Ebbin called Krupicka a “class act” who ran a “courageous” race. In turn, at Krupicka’s post-election party, the city councilman said: “Adam has been a fantastic delegate and he’s going to be a fantastic senator. I expect you all to work your butt off for him.”

Ebbin expressed his gratitude to many of his supporters, campaign staff and volunteers. He added that much work needs to be done.

“I need a few days to decompress and collect my thoughts,” Ebbin said. “The 30th District is two and a half times as large as my house district. I’ll have to spend a lot of time introducing myself to people. It’s been good to meet so many good Democrats in this race. It will be great reaching out to other Democrats as well.”

Ebbin will face Republican Tim McGhee, a church administrator, in the general election on Nov. 8.