No Surprises as Helsel Wins 91st Seat

By WYDaily Staff Wednesday, March 09, 2011

After Tuesday's obligatory special election, Poquoson Mayor Gordon Helsel, Jr. is the 91st House District representative.

The special election was conducted to fill the seat of Del. Tom Gear, who resigned in December because of health issues. Helsel won a four-way Republican firehouse primary to appear as the GOP choice on yesterday's ballot. Democrats declined to field a candidate.

Turnout was very light, with unofficial results reporting 2,160 voters - less than five percent of registered voters in a district that has around 64,000 residents.

The 91st has four precincts in southern York County, and covers all of Poquoson and nine precincts in Hampton. Turnout was highest in Poquoson, where Helsel has served on the city council for 27 years. Voters there delivered 1,238 votes - 57 percent of total votes cast.

Helsel is expected to be seated in the state legislature in time for the reconvened session in April. Then, state legislators are expected to take up redistricting, among other issues.

Helsel's time in the General Assembly could be short; he'll need to run for re-election in November.