Democrat Shannon Taylor defeated Republican U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman in Virginia’s 1st Congressional District election on Tuesday, ending the longtime congressman’s nearly two-decade tenure in Washington and flipping a seat Republicans have held for nearly 50 years.
The victory marks a major Democratic pickup in a district that has been a top target for national Democrats as they seek to win control of the U.S. House of Representatives.
“It is a good night for the commonwealth,” Taylor said at her election night party. “Tonight, we sent a message: people are sick and tired of the corruption and they are ready for change. Together we won this campaign and together we will ban stock trading by members of Congress, end corporate political contributions, and curb the influence of special interests who have for too long rigged the rules in their favor.”
With all precincts and early votes reported, Taylor won by a little more than 5,000 votes.