Elections: Melnyk, vice chair of School Board, wins primary in 84th District, will face incumbent Davis

Kim Melnyk watches returns late on Primary Day with Maurice Hawkins, who supported her campaign in the 84th District, on Tuesday, June 8, 2021. [David B. Hollingsworth/For The Princess Anne Independent News]

Ed. — From the Sunday, June 20, print edition.

VIRGINIA BEACH — Kim Melnyk, a businessperson and vice chairperson of the Virginia Beach School Board, defeated writer Tracie Liguid in the Democratic primary for the 84th Virginia House District on Tuesday, June 8.

Melnyk will now challenge state Del. Glenn Davis, the Republican incumbent, in the November general election. Earlier in the year, Davis attempted to garner the Republican nomination for lieutenant governor, but he lost in a Republican convention in May to Winsome Sears.

According to returns last updated by the state on Monday, June 14, Melnyk won with 52.6 percent of the vote and Liguid received 47.4 percent. Melnyk said in an interview that she was proud of the result of the primary.

“I was proud because it was a tough primary,” Melnyk said. “… I was able to maintain my character and integrity. We worked hard, and it paid off.”

In a statement released by her campaign on Tuesday, June 8, Melnyk congratulated Liguid on her efforts in the primary and thanked loved ones and supporters.

“This seat has not been held by a Democrat in 30 years, and it has never been held by a woman,” Melnyk said in the statement. “This is the year we change that, and that work starts right now.”

In an interview, Liguid said she was disappointed in the outcome, but she will work to support Melnyk. Liguid also said she’s excited to continue her work in the community.

“I am excited just getting to know this community more and getting to know our community’s needs.” Liguid said. “Understanding the political and campaigning process has been life changing.”

Melnyk said having a “front row seat” to the legislative process in Richmond as a school board member helped her understand issues facing the 84th District.

Melnyk said she will continue to reach out to voters in the area because she needs the perspectives of community members to represent the district in the fall election.

“We still have a lot of work to do” Melnyk said. “I’m going to be knocking on every door, and I’m going to be making phone calls … I’m starting today.”