Virginia Democrats win two seats in special election

Lost in the shuffle of the political discourse surrounding the first few days of the 119th Congress, the vote for House speaker, and President-elect Donald Trump touting the idea of purchasing Greenland, a special election was held in Virginia on Tuesday for three seats in the state legislature. Two of the elections were for seats in Virginia’s Senate, and the other was for a seat in the House of Delegates.

Democrat JJ Singh defeated Republican Ram Venkatachalam in the election for the House’s 26th District. With over 95% of the votes counted, Singh led Venkatachalam 61.6% to 38.4%, according to the New York Times. Singh’s victory ensured the party would control the state House, giving the Democrats a slim lead over the GOP, 51-49.