DULLES, Va. — Democrat Jennifer Wexton beat incumbent Republican Barbara Comstock Tuesday night, capturing the seat for Democrats for the first time in 40 years.
Wexton tethered Comstock to Trump early on, calling her “Barbara Trumpstock” in ads that blanketed the northern Virginia district.
Voters in the 10th Congressional district “want somebody who is going to stand up to the president when he’s being divisive,” Wexton told reporters after her win.
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Comstock tried to hang on by touting the GOP tax plan and for helping push congressional Republicans toward a tentative deal that would boost federal workers’ pay by 1.9 percent.
But Comstock’s efforts failed as Wexton received significant support from the Democratic Party. The district voted for Hillary Clinton by 10 points in 2016, making it a top target for Democrats.
“This is an election where Donald Trump ran on fear, hatred and division,” said former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe, standing alongside Wexton. “We ran on healthcare, education, middle class tax cuts, infrastructure.”
Wexton ran on a platform of expanding Medicaid, raising the minimum wage, and vowing to be a check on the administration. Wexton also drew a contrast with Comstock on gun control issues, vowing to expand background checks on gun purchases and to vote to ban assault weapons. Comstock struggled to shake her A rating from the NRA.
The win is key for Democrats in their fight to seize control of the House. Democrats are hoping to flip most districts that went for Clinton in 2016 which would bring them close to the 23 seats needed to win the majority.
“Voters sent a strong message — rejecting Barbara Comstock and the toxic GOP agenda while electing Jennifer Wexton to Congress,” said House Majority PAC Executive Director Charlie Kelly.
[Read: The 10 key races to watch: How to know if you’re witnessing a blue wave]
