Underwood New Norfolk Commonwealth's Attorney
Prosecutor Greg Underwood will become the city's commonwealth's attorney, according to unofficial results from Tuesday's special
election.
Underwood, who has served as a prosecutor for about 16 years, received 3,912 votes, or about 55 percent of the vote, according
to unofficial results from the state elections board. He ran as a Democrat.
His opponent, Republican defense attorney John Coggeshall, received 3,147 votes, or about 45 percent of the vote.
About 7,000 people voted, according to the unofficial results.
The election filled the post vacated last year by Jack Doyle, who was appointed a Norfolk Circuit judge. Underwood's win makes
him the city's first black constitutional officer since 1993.
As Underwood celebrated his victory Tuesday night, he thanked voters for trusting him with the top prosecutor's post.
"I will be firm, but I will be fair," he said.
Underwood said he would be sworn in as soon as the board of elections certified the results.
When he learned of Underwood's win, Coggeshall said, "We gave him a run for his money."
Underwood will serve until November, when he will run again for a full term. Coggeshall said he would have to think about whether
he will run again.
Michelle Washington, (757) 446-2287, michelle.washington@pilotonline.com