Updated: State Board certifies Villanueva winner

The Virginia State Board of Elections certified Republican Ron Villanueva the winner in a House of Delegates seat in Virginia Beach at a lengthy meeting this afternoon in Richmond.

Villanueva, a Virginia Beach City councilman, defeated Democratic Del. Bobby Mathieson by 14 votes out of more than 15,000 cast. It was the closest election in the state this year.

Mark Henson, Mathieson's campaign manager, said he will ask for a recount. Mathieson has 10 days to ask for a state-funded recount, which he is entitled to because he lost by less than one half of one percent.

Republicans picked up six House seats and now have a hefty advantage in the chamber. They hold 61 seats, including two independents who caucus with the GOP, to the Democrats' 39 seats

Update: Mathieson's campaign sent out the following statement: "Bobby will continue to fight to ensure every single legally cast ballot gets counted in an open and transparent manner. As a lifelong public servant, he will always stand for good government, for transparency, and for serving the public interest. Close elections like this provide citizens the opportunity to shine a bright light on the electoral process, learn important lessons, and emerge better prepared for the next election."