Stamos in as Commonwealth’s Attorney in Arlington County

The party hadn’t been going on long at before Theo Stamos claimed victory in the Democratic primary Tuesday night.

Standing behind the bar in a private dining area of the restaurant, Stamos, 53, thanked the crowd of family, friends and other supporters for electing her as the next Arlington County Commonwealth’s Attorney. In a landslide victory, Stamos landed 10,750 votes (82.14 percent) to David Deane’s 2,336 votes (17.85 percent). All 52 districts reported by night’s end. There was no Republican opponent for the seat.

“I’m extremely pleased and very excited it’s over,” Stamos said after delivering a thank you speech to her supporters.

Stamos, a 25-year veteran of the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office and chief deputy since 2002, will replace retiring Commonwealth’s Attorney Richard Trodden. He will leave the position Dec. 31 and Stamos will take over in January when she is sworn in. The Arlington office also has jurisdiction over felonies in the city of Falls Church and at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

As the night lingered on, Stamos tirelessly shook hands and thanked everyone individually for their help. In a quiet moment, Stamos received a phone call from Deane, congratulating her on her victory. She in turn thanked him for running a good race.

Deane did not immediately return an email after the election.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to the office and working one full-time job, not two,” said Stamos who will give her full agenda after she is sworn in. “I have to get ready for a Sept. 7 homicide trial.”

Supporters at the event marveled at Stamos’ professionalism.

Trodden said Stamos ran a wonderful campaign. He said she didn’t take anything on the campaign for granted.

“That’s typical of her,” Trodden said. “I think she’ll do just fine. I know the office will be in good hands.”

Betty Coll, chair of the Falls Church City Democratic Committee, said she is certain Stamos will continue a good program in Arlington County. She said Stamos will give the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office stability and a continuance of good practices.

“Personally, I like Theo a lot,” Coll said. “I think she’s a true professional for the office.”