Democrats Retain 33rd Senate Seat in Virginia General Assembly

With a victory in Virginia’s 33rd State Senate District, Democrats increased the likelihood controlling that wing of the General Assembly along with the governor’s mansion.

Democrat Jennifer T. Wexton defeated Republican John C.L. Whitbeck Jr. and Republican-turned-Independent Joe T. May in the special election to replace Mark Herring, now Virginia’s attorney general.

Wexton, Leesburg attorney, won 52.71 percent of the vote, with 21,677 ballots cast, according to the State Board of Election’s unofficial results. Whitbeck received 37.5 percent of the vote, while 9.78 percent of voters chose May. In Fairfax, Wexton, won all 10 precincts within the 33rd Senate District. In Loudoun, four of the 39 precincts in the 33rd reported zero votes. Wexton won all but three other precincts in that county.

"Jennifer will continue Mark Herring's long history of working to strengthen Virginia's economy and supporting legislation that makes the Commonwealth the best place to live, work, and raise a family," said Democratic Party of Virginia Chair Charniele Herring. "Her win solidifies Democratic control in Virginia's Senate.“

Earlier this month, Democrat Lynwood W. Lewis Jr. won the state Senate seat vacated by Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam (D) by a 9-vote margin. Republican B. Wayne Coleman has requested a recount.

Because the GOP controls 20 seats in the state Senate, Lewis would have to succeed for Democrats to control the Senate. If Lewis hangs on, then Lt. Gov. Northam, who will preside over the Senate for the next four years, will be the tie-breaking vote.

May, who lost a primary to David Larock for the 33rd House of Delegates seat, congratulated Wexton on the win.

“I congratulate Jennifer Wexton on her victory and hope that she carries on the bipartisan record of now Attorney General Mark Herring, who I was pleased to work with on many occasions from across the aisle,” May said.

SEE RESULTS:

• State Board of Elections
• Loudoun County
• Fairfax County