The Shadow
ALLEGHANY COUNTY, VA (Virginian Review)— Voters across Covington City, Clifton Forge, and Iron Gate turned out Tuesday to elect new representatives in key local races. The results revealed significant changes in leadership for several offices, with voters opting for fresh perspectives across city councils, school boards, and mayoral offices. While the final results are not official, here are the results as of Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024 at 8am.
In Covington, voters decided on three contested council races. In District 3, Raymond Hunter secured a victory with 57.86% of the vote, defeating Lee Roe, who received 41.25%. The District 4 race saw a decisive win for Susan Wolfe, who captured 58.21%, while incumbent Thomas Sibold, Jr. trailed with 40.89%. Wolfe’s campaign emphasized transparency and community engagement, resonating with voters seeking change.
Upon hearing the election results Susan put out a statement saying “I want to say thank you for all that came out and put their faith in me and voted for me. I will try my best to live up to this challenge that I have been blessed with. So, I will try hard to live up what you have entrusted me to do.”
In the most lopsided result of the night, District 5 challenger Susan Crowder dominated the race with 75.94%, leaving incumbent David Crosier far behind with just 23.70%. Crowder’s campaign focused on accountability and addressing long-standing community concerns, earning overwhelming support from voters.
Crowder’s remarks upon finding out the results of her election were “ Thank you so much and thank you to everyone who participated in this election. I am still in shock, but know that I’ve been given a enormous responsibility and I will work hard to ensjure I do the citizens of Covington justice in placing their trust in me.”
Voters also decided two important seats on the Alleghany Highlands Public Schools Board. In the contest for Board Seat #1, Robert “Bob” Umstead emerged victorious with 62.05%, defeating incumbent Jacob Wright, who garnered 36.13%. Umstead’s platform emphasized fostering transparency and improving educational outcomes.
In the race for Board Seat #2, Jay Woodson ran unopposed and won with 100% of the vote. Woodson’s campaign aimed to address pressing issues such as teacher retention and equitable funding for schools.
Clifton Forge voters had two contested council seats to decide. In the race for Council Seat #1, Jeffery Irvine emerged as the top vote-getter, earning 39.6% in a multi-candidate field. For Council Seat #2, Carl Wolfe Jr. narrowly secured victory with 30.25%, emphasizing his commitment to economic revitalization and community development.
Jeff Irvine in a statement said he wanted to emphasize how thankful he is to the people of Clifton Forge for once again trusting him to do the things needed for the Town. He also wanted to thank everyone who participated in the election process.
Carl “Shorty” Wolfe, Jr. said he would like to thank everyone who voted for him and that they have gotten a lot done in the last four years and hopes the next four are as good.
In Iron Gate, voters overwhelmingly chose Kawahna Persinger as their new mayor, with Persinger earning 67.61% of the vote. Gary Craig trailed significantly, managing 28.87%. Persinger’s campaign focused on fostering growth in the small town and addressing infrastructure challenges.
For the Iron Gate Town Council, Jennifer Tyree cruised to victory with an impressive 84.11% of the vote, solidifying her role as a community leader focused on public service and development.
