1971 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial special election

The 1971 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial special election was held on November 2, 1971, to elect the next Lieutenant Governor of Virginia following the death of incumbent J. Sargeant Reynolds. The election was concurrent with the 1971 Virginia Senate election and 1971 Virginia House of Delegates election. Independent candidate Henry Howell won against both Democratic nominee George J. Kostel and Republican nominee George P. Shafran.

1971 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial special election

November 2, 1971

Nominee Henry Howell George J. Kostel George P. Shafran Party Independent Democratic Republican Popular vote 362,371 334,580 209,861 Percentage 39.96% 36.89% 23.14%

County results Howell:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70%      70-80% Kostel:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%      60-70% Shafran:      30-40%      40-50%      50-60%

General election

Candidates

• Henry Howell (Independent), State Senator
• George J. Kostel (Democratic), State Delegate
• George P. Shafran (Republican), State Delegate

Results

1971 Virginia lieutenant gubernatorial special election

Party		Candidate	Votes	%	±%
	Independent	Henry Howell	362,371	39.95%
	Democratic	George J. Kostel	334,580	36.89%
	Republican	George P. Shafran	209,861	23.14%
Majority			27,791	3.06%
Turnout			906,893
	Independent gain from Democratic		Swing