VA House Of Delegates Election Result: Republican Majority Likely

VIRGINIA — Along with Virginia's gubernatorial election, control of the Virginia House of Delegates is up for grabs in Tuesday's general election. Media outlets have not called the majority for either party, but projections indicate Republicans have a chance of taking control. The Associated Press reported Wednesday afternoon that Republicans secured at least 50 seats.

All 100 House of Delegates were on the Nov. 2 ballot. Between the governor, House of Delegates and Senate, Democrats have a trifecta of power resulting from the 2019 election. Democratic hung in the balance as Virginians await results of the governor's race and House of Delegates races.

As reported by the Washington Post, House Minority Leader Todd Gilbert claimed a win for the Republicans in the House.

"Virginia voters made an historic statement, delivering a clear rebuke of the failed policies of the last two years and electing Republicans up and down the ballot," said Gilbert in a statement shared by the Post.

Republicans have already swept the statewide races for governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. Even if Republicans won both contests, the GOP couldn't earn a trifecta since the Virginia Senate races are not up for election in 2021.

In the House, Democrats have a majority with 55 members to 45 Republican members. It would take six seats flipped for Republicans to gain control of the House. Democrats had flipped six Republican seats in 2019 to gain the majority.

Democratic House of Delegates Speaker Eileen Filler-Corn released a statement Wednesday regarding control of the House. She was re-elected in the 41st district race.

"While the results across the Commonwealth were not what we were hoping for last night, we have several races that will determine the majority that are still within the margins with votes still to be counted until Friday," Filler-Corn stated. "We are going to make sure every Virginian's voice is heard and every vote is counted."

On Tuesday, Filler-Corn told Patch the reforms Democrats have made are on the ballot in this election.

"This election is key, and it's the most important election in a long time. We've been governing, we Democrats, for 22 months, and we have made tremendous progress in so many issues that are so important to Virginians," said Filler-Corn.

Since Democrats gained control of the Virginia General Assembly, there have been reforms passed on gun violence prevention, voter rights expansions, marijuana legalization, policing and more. Republican criticisms have claimed Democratic policies have shifted Virginia too far to the left.

There are nine uncontested House of Delegates races; the rest have multiple candidates. While uncontested races and seats in strongly Democratic or Republican districts likely won't flip, there are some competitive races to watch.

In the 10th district, Democratic incumbent Del. Wendy Gooditis won re-election in a district she flipped from Republicans in 2017. She faced Republican challenger Nick Clemente in a district that the Virginia Public Access classifies as a 0.5 Republican index. The district includes parts of Loudoun, Clarke and Frederick counties.

In other Northern Virginia races deemed competitive by VPAP, Democratic Del. Dan Helmer won re-election in district 40, Democrat Briana Sewell won in Hala Ayala's 51st district, Democratic Del. Elizabeth Guzman in the 31st district, Democrat Michelle Maldonado in Lee Carter's district 50, and Democratic Del. Danica Roem in district 13.

Just south of Northern Virginia in parts of Stafford County and Fredericksburg, Republican challenger Tara Durant flipped the seat held by Democratic incumbent Del. Joshua Cole in the 28th district. VPAP gives the district a 7.4 Republican index.

In Henrico County's 73rd district, which VPAP classified as the most competitive race with a 0.2 Democratic index, Democratic Del. Rodney Willett is the projected winner versus Republican Mary Margaret Kastelberg.

For the Republican Party, the most competitive race was the 66th district, the seat held by former Republican House Speaker Del. Kirk Cox. Republican Mike Cherry is the projected winner in the 66th district, covering part of Chesterfield County and Colonial Heights with a 2.3 Republican index.

The majority for the Virginia Senate is 21-19 with a Democratic majority. The next Virginia Senate elections will happen in 2023.

We will update this story as results come in from the Virginia Department of Elections. Subscribe to free News Alerts for election results.