Hank Silverberg, wtop.com

WASHINGTON — Republicans are claiming victory in the close 17th District Senate race.

A recount of the votes shows Republican Bryce Reeves maintaining a 224-vote lead over incumbent Democrat Edd Houck.

The victory in the sprawling district from Fredericksburg to Charlottsville means the GOP will get 20 members in the state Senate, even with the 20 seats won by the Democrats. That leaves Republican Lt. Governor Bill Bolling to break ties.

This also means many bills that died previously in the Senate after being approved in the Republican-dominated House may now move through.

Democrats have discussed a possible recount in the 17th District, but there’s no official word on that yet.

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