Jenkins concedes Suffolk mayoral race to incumbent Duman

SUFFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – Clinton Jenkins has officially conceded the race for Suffolk Mayor to incumbent Mike Duman.

The race had been too close to call for weeks, with Duman leading Jenkins by just 164 votes after all votes were counted, well within the margins for a recount.

Jenkins told 10 On Your Side he has decided against opting for a recount, saying he has congratulated Duman for his campaign. His statement can be read in full below:

I decided against a recount. After careful observations of the electoral process, I have the utmost confidence in our Voter Registrar’s office. I called Mayor Duman and congratulated him on his campaign. I’m sure that based on the vote count, Mr. Duman will be sensitive to the concerns of Suffolk’s citizens and he will serve the entire city equally. I also encourage the voters to hold all elected officials accountable. Elected officials work for the voters, not serving themselves. I want to thank all of the voters for their participation in the election process, especially those kind enough to vote for me.

Clinton Jenkins

10 On Your Side also reached out to Duman for a statement, who said he recently sold his longtime car dealership Priority Automotive. The 74-year-old stated that while he has mixed feelings, he could no longer work 90-hour weeks.