Democratic retired Army Lt. Col. Eugene Vindman defeated Republican Derrick Anderson in the open race for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District in a close race that took nearly a day to determine the winner.
The Associated Press called the race for Vindman at 6:24 p.m. EST on Wednesday with 98% of the vote counted. Vindman led Anderson 51.1% to 48.9%.
Vindman, a retired army lieutenant colonel, and his brother Alexander Vindman are known for being the key whistleblowers who led to former President Donald Trump’s first impeachment.
The vacant seat was held by Democrats since 2019, but Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) opted not to run for reelection and instead will run for governor in 2025.
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The race was considered one of Republicans’ prime pickup opportunities for the 2024 election, but Vindman’s name recognition likely helped boost the Democrat’s win.
With Republicans winning the White House and flipping the Senate, Vindman’s win is a relief to Democrats as they hold out very narrow hope they can retake the House majority.