Virginia voters head to the polls in special congressional election

Citizens in Virginia’s fourth Congressional District will select their next agent Tuesday in an unique election that might make history in the commonwealth.

State Sen. Jennifer McClellan, the Democratic candidate in this greatly Democratic district, would end up being the very first Black female to represent Virginia in Congress if she wins. She’s dealing with Republican Leon Benjamin in the race to fill the regard to the late Rep. Donald McEachin, who passed away a couple of weeks after winning reelection in November.

The district, that includes the city of Richmond, would’ve elected President Joe Biden by more than 35 portion points in 2020. McEachin won a 4th term in November with 65% of the vote. Tuesday’s election is not likely to impact the balance of power in the United States Home, which Republicans control after winning a narrow bulk last fall. Nevertheless, a McClellan triumph would set another record for the variety of females serving in Congress (150) and in your home (125 ), according to the Center for American Women and Politics at Rutgers University. She would likewise set a record for the variety of Black females in your home– 28.

McClellan has actually both outraised and outspent Benjamin, according to their particular projects’ pre-special election reports submitted on February 9.

Under Virginia state law, there was no state-run main for this unique election, so the celebrations was accountable for choosing their own candidates.

McClellan won the Democratic election in December, beating state Sen. Joe Morrissey and 2 other prospects in a “firehouse main,” which was performed by celebration authorities throughout a handful of pop-up ballot places in the Richmond-area district. McClellan has had the assistance of celebration leaders and groups varying from the political arm of the Congressional Progressive Caucus to the moderate-backing Democratic Bulk for Israel PAC. Democratic members of the commonwealth’s congressional delegation backed her, as did Richmond Mayor Levar Stoney and other regional authorities.

McClellan, who has actually served in the state legislature given that 2006 and ended up third in the 2021 Democratic main for guv, prospered McEachin in the state Senate and mentioned her relationship with him when revealing her project.

Benjamin, a Navy veteran and pastor, won the GOP election at a celebration canvass. This is his 3rd quote for the seat after losing to McEachin in 2020 and in 2022.

Surveys open at 6 a.m. ET and close at 7 p.m. ET.