Recounts confirm vote; GOP controls state House

— Recounts in four counties have verified a Republican victory in a legislative race in northeastern Arkansas, confirming the GOP’s control of the state legislature for the first time since Reconstruction.

Thursday’s recount in Independence County confirmed that Republican John K. Hutchison defeated Democrat L.J. Bryant. While four military ballots are pending, they are not enough to flip the result of the race.

Bryant sought a recount after losing to Hutchison by 44 votes last week. Vote totals in Craighead, Jackson and Poinsett counties either didn’t change, or didn’t change by much.

The GOP holds a 51-48-1 majority over Democrats and the Green Party in the House.

Republicans haven’t controlled either chamber at the state Capitol since Reconstruction — but now will take control of the House and Senate in January.

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