Democrat Jennifer Wexton Wins Virginia 33rd District Senate Race

With the election of Ralph Northam and Mark Herring to statewide office, Republicans h, Jr. 37.50%ad hoped to manage to take control of the Virginia Senate.  Based on tonight's results in the 33rd Senate District, Democrats will now control the Senate so long as Lynwood Lewis prevails in the recount for the 6th Senate District.   With 100% of precincts reporting, the uncertified results are as follows:

Democrat Jennifer T. Wexton 52.71%
Republican John C. L. Whitbeck 37.50%
Independent Joe T. May  9.78%

That's right, even with the Independent and Republican votes combined, Jennifer Wexton (pictured at right above) would have won.  The Democrat Party made the following announcement:

Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Executive Director Michael Sargeant has released the following statement on today's win by Democrat Jennifer Wexton in the special election for Virginia's 33rd Senate District: 

"I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Jennifer Wexton on her victory in tonight's special election for the Virginia Senate," said Sargeant.  "Wexton's victory marks not only the continuation of Democrats' 2012 effort that won majorities in eight state legislative chambers, but also the beginning of a 2014 election cycle about which the DLCC feels strongly optimistic."

"I also wish to recognize the team effort - including the Wexton Campaign, Governor McAuliffe, the Virginia Senate Democrats, and the DLCC - that made this victory possible," Sargeant continued.

"Tonight's victory shows Virginians' eagerness for pragmatic, Democratic leadership after watching the Tea Party run amok in their state.  Senator-Elect Wexton is a dedicated public servant, and we wish her well in the state Senate." 

Back to the 6th District, I wish Lewis had run a stronger, more forceful campaign.  I continue to hope that he prevails, but it does suggest that running a strong campaign is critical and that one should never assume a cake walk.  

And win or lose, I still intend to meet with Republican Wayne Coleman and try to get the message across that anti-gay bigotry is a long term loser for the Virginia GOP regardless of whatever lies and bullshit Victoria Cobb and hate merchants at The  Family Foundation may claim.