Democrat wins first of two special elections to decide Senate chamber control
WASHINGTON-Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) Executive Director Michael Sargeant released the following statement on tonight’s Democratic victories in the special elections for Virginia’s 6th Senate District and 11th House District:
“I want to congratulate Senator-Elect Lynwood Lewis (D-Accomac) on his victory in tonight’s special election for Senate District 6,” said Sargeant. “This was the first of two January special elections that will decide which party will set the agenda in the Virginia Senate. Voters tonight sent the same message they delivered in November: Virginians have had enough of the Tea Party’s destructive ideology, and they’re eager for pragmatic leadership from Democrats like Lynwood Lewis, who’s proven time and again that he’ll always put Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Matthews County and the Eastern Shore first.”
“I also applaud the successful partnership between the Lewis Campaign, Governor-elect McAuliffe, the DLCC, and the Virginia Senate Democrats – a partnership that made this victory possible.”
“In addition, I want to congratulate Delegate-Elect Sam Rasoul (D-Roanoke) for his victory tonight in House District 11,” Sargeant continued. “Delegate-Elect Rasoul ran a strong, grassroots-focused campaign that defeated a career Republican politician who enjoyed far greater name recognition and financial backing. With Sam’s victory, Roanoke has elected a strong progressive voice to represent its citizens, and Virginia’s General Assembly will enjoy a breath of fresh air from a new Delegate who’s never been afraid to stand up for our Democratic values.”
“These victories, despite a significant Republican funding advantage in both contests, give Democrats crucial momentum heading into the Virginia Senate’s final special election showdown on January 21st, when the race for Senate District 33 in Loudoun and Fairfax Counties will decide which party controls the floor of the state Senate. The DLCC looks forward to continuing our partnership with Virginia Democrats as we work to win that critical race.”
