93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
Democrats in the Missouri State House will be welcoming a new face after a recount in the 135th House District race showed newcomer Betsy Fogle has upset incumbent Republican Steve Helms.
The race initially showed Fogle with an 80 vote margin of victory, but because the final percentage of the vote was within one half of one percent, the state required a manual recounting of the votes.
Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller announced around 10:30 p.m. Thursday night the completion of the recount that showed Fogle winning 8,548 to 8,472, a margin of 76 votes.
“Our team is excited that the recount is complete, and we look forward to doing the work in Jefferson City,” Fogle told KWTO. “The last 14 months have been an amazing experience, and we will take our dedication and passion with us to the Capitol.”
Rep. Helms was gracious in his loss.
“It was an honor to serve the constituents of the 135th for four years,” Helms told KWTO. “I am appreciative to have had this opportunity. I wish Miss Fogle well during her time in the Missouri House. I will continue to find ways to impact public policy in a positive way.”
Greene County Clerk Schoeller praised his staff on the recount.
“This recount was conducted in an open, transparent and bi-partisan manner that should make all Greene County voters proud and confident in the final results” said Schoeller. “It has been a great privilege to work with our elections judges from all perspectives and walks of life as they worked hard to make sure this result was rendered accurately and in a timely manner.”
The results of the recount will proceed to the Verification Board which will meet Monday at 1:30 in the Historic Greene County Courthouse, Room 113.