Democrat Terry McAuliffe formally conceded Wednesday in his battle against Republican nominee Glenn Youngkin, who was the predicted winner Tuesday night.
In his statement, McAuliffe said, “While last night we came up short, I am proud that we spent this campaign fighting for the values we so deeply believe in”.
“While there will be setbacks along the way, I am confident that the long-term path of Virginia is toward inclusion, openness and tolerance for all,” he added.
McAuliffe offered his congratulations, saying “Congratulations to Governor-Elect Glenn Youngkin on his victory. I hope Virginians will join me in wishing the best to him and his family”.
Youngkin carried 50.7% of the vote while McAuliffe received 48.6%. “Alrighty Virginia, we won this thing,” Youngkin said during his 1 a.m. speech.
The governor-elect promised that “together, we will change the trajectory of this commonwealth”. “On day one, we’re going to work,” he said. “We’re going to restore excellence in our schools … We’re going to embrace our parents, not ignore them”.
Youngkin’s campaign repeatedly showed support for parents to voice their concerns over school curriculum, which ended up being one of the most important issues for voters in Virginia.
Much of the Republican’s support came from suburban voters, who had previously helped Democrats win back the House and put Biden in the White House.
Another win for Republicans comes from the election of Winsome Sears for Virginia’s lieutenant governor. She is the first woman and woman of color to be elected to this position.
Sears, a Marine Corps veteran, gave a speech Wednesday morning to claim her victory. “When I joined the Marine Corps, I was still a Jamaican. But this country had done so much for me, I was willing, willing, to die for this country,” she said.
During her speech, she led the crowd in a “USA” chant. “We have things to tend to. We are going to fully fund our historically Black colleges and universities. We’re going to have safer neighborhoods, safer communities, and our children are going to get a good education,” she continued.
