RICHMOND, Va. (AP)- Virginia Democrat Tim Kaine defeated a hardcore supporter of President Donald Trump Tuesday to win re-election to the U.S. Senate.
The first-term senator who was Hillary Clinton’s running mate in 2016 defeated Republican Corey Stewart, reaffirming Virginia’s status as a blue-leaning state.
Trump was a key focal point of the Senate contest. Kaine’s campaign focused on the need for an inclusive government that worked “for all.”
Best known for his outspoken support of Confederate imagery, Stewart is a one-time Trump state campaign chairman.
But he received almost no help from the White House — Vice President Mike Pence traveled to Virginia multiple times but never campaigned with Stewart.
Kaine spent much of the campaign trying to help Democratic U.S. House candidates win GOP-held seats, even in deep red parts of the state.
Dave Brat Loses
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) - Democrat Abigail Spanberger has defeated two-term Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Dave Brat in Virginia's 7th District Congressional race.
The former CIA officer and political newcomer scored a dramatic win Tuesday for Democrats in a district that has been held by Republicans since 1971.
The 39-year-old Spanberger cast herself as a moderate during the race and slammed Brat for being out of touch with voters in the district covering suburbs west of Richmond and large rural areas.
Brat, a former economics professor, touted the strong economy and tax cuts under Republican President Donald Trump. He portrayed Spanberger as a radical liberal and often compared her to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.
But it wasn't enough to carry Brat to victory in a district where suburban Democrats appeared to be energized by their disdain for Trump.
