News outlets called the highly anticipated Virginia gubernatorial race for the Democrat Ralph Northam early Tuesday evening over Republican Ed Gillespie.
BREAKING: Democrat Ralph Northam wins Virginia's hard-fought race for governor. @AP race call at 8:12 p.m. EST. #Election2017 #APracecall— The Associated Press (@The Associated Press) 1510103570.0
We now have 20 bellwether precincts reporting results in #VAGov: Ralph Northam (D): 55.42% Ed Gillespie (R): 43.36%— Decision Desk HQ (@Decision Desk HQ) 1510103412.0
Just in: @CNN projects Democrat Ralph Northam will win the governor’s race in Virginia, beating former RNC chair Ed Gillespie— David Wright (@David Wright) 1510103726.0
Voters are likely happy to see the end of an election that became angry and contentious. Democrats accused Gillespie of using "white nationalist" narratives, while his defenders said Northam allies were race-baiting to push their agenda.
Earlier Tuesday the New Jersey gubernatorial election was also called for the Democrat, Phil Murphy, over Republican Kim Guadagno.
President Trump endorsed Gillespie, but didn't actively campaign for him.
Ralph Northam,who is running for Governor of Virginia,is fighting for the violent MS-13 killer gangs & sanctuary cities. Vote Ed Gillespie!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1507255107.0
Ed Gillespie will be a great Governor of Virginia. His opponent doesn't even show up to meetings/work, and will be VERY weak on crime!— Donald J. Trump (@Donald J. Trump) 1509027081.0
This means the media will likely paint the defeat as a defeat for the president more than one for Gillespie.