Tracci defeats Lunsford for Albemarle Co. Commonwealth's Attorney

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WVIR – ALBEMARLE COUNTY, Va (WVIR) - Although voter turnout may not have been overwhelming, some of the political races turned heads Tuesday night.

After what became a serious war of words over the last few weeks for the position of Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney, Democratic incumbent Denise Lunsford has been voted out and Republican Robert Tracci is the new Commonwealth's Attorney for Albemarle Co.

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With all the precincts in, Tracci beat Lunsford by a very close margin of 11,109 votes to 10,594 votes.

Tracci celebrated his victory with fellow Republicans at an Applebee's in Albemarle Co., telling supporters his win was due to bipartisan support.

The former federal prosecutor says he will review each case on its merits, including the capital murder and first-degree murder cases against Jesse Matthew.

"I will attach the same level of priority of that case that I do others which is examine each case and make sure that justice is done on the behalf of the community and for families," Tracci said.

We did not hear from Lunsford herself tonight but her partner Richard Brewer did speak.

"We've elected a prosecutor who's never set foot in a state court and never been the attorney in a jury trial," Brewer said.

Tracci says he's ready to hit the ground running as Albemarle Co.'s prosecutor, taking on two high profile cases in his first year on the job.