It was a big night for the Democrats across the nation as several states held off-year elections.
The big prize was the governorship of Virginia, where Democrat Ralph Northam had led in polls for weeks. But Republican Ed Gillespie pulled to within spitting distance in the last few days utilizing Trump-like tactics as polls showed only a 2 point lead for Northam.
Nerves were supremely settled, though, as the Democrat won the night by a whopping 9 points, 53.9%/45%.
Additionally, Democrat Justin Fairfax won his race to become Virginia’s next lieutenant governor. He is only the second African-American to win statewide in Virginia.
Donald Trump, who had recorded robocalls for Gillespie, chided the loser after the race was called, tweeting, "Ed Gillespie worked hard but did not embrace me or what I stand for. Don’t forget, Republicans won 4 out of 4 House seats, and with the economy doing record numbers, we will continue to win, even bigger than before!"
Ed Gillespie worked hard but did not embrace me or what I stand for. Don’t forget, Republicans won 4 out of 4 House seats, and with the economy doing record numbers, we will continue to win, even bigger than before!— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 8, 2017
In New Jersey, Democrat Phil Murphy easily bested Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno by a margin of 56%/43%. Guadagno was severely hurt by her boss, Gov. Chris Christie, whose approval rating had plummeted to a dismal 14%.
New Jersey also elected Sheila Oliver as its first female African-American lieutenant governor.
Great news for LGBT candidates as well.
History was made when Danica Roem became the nation's first-ever openly transgender person to be elected to a state legislature. Even better, she defeated Robert G. Marshall, who authored Virginia’s hideous anti-transgender “bathroom bill.” Marshall has proudly referred to himself as Virginia's "chief homophobe." Talk about irony :)
Jenny Durkan won her race for Seattle mayor becoming the first out lesbian to hold the office and the first woman since 1928.
Andrea Jenkins was elected to the Minneapolis City Council making history as the first trans woman of color elected to public office in the United States.
More history was made in Palm Springs as Lisa Middleton became the first transgender person elected to a non-judicial office in California with her election to city council.
Diversity won the day in Charlotte, North Carolina, as Democratic councilwoman Vi Lyles was elected mayor becoming the first African-American woman to win the office since the city’s incorporation in 1768.
And Wilmot Collins will be Helena’s new mayor and the state's first black mayor.
Click here for more historic wins from last night.
Tonight, we made history. Couldn't be prouder to be a member of the @VADemocrats. Together we’ll build a commonwealth that works for everyone—no matter who you are, no matter where you’re from. Congratulations to all our delegate candidates on their wins tonight!— Ralph Northam (@RalphNortham) November 8, 2017
Democrats swept their races one year after Trump's win. Here are a few to know about. https://t.co/CAwr45cwBh— New Day (@NewDay) November 8, 2017
When asked about Bob Marshall, Danica Roem said “I don't attack my constituents. Bob is my constituent now.”— Nicholas Trevino (@BlyTarbell) November 8, 2017
She has more grace and composure than I will ever have. #virginia #DanicaRoem
Virginia just elected the first transgender state legislator in America. THAT is how you send a message to Trump that every American is equal under the law. https://t.co/LkV8ygweUh— Renato Mariotti (@renato_mariotti) November 8, 2017
The Trump cult will not be broken: When he loses he/his supporters claim it’s b/c of not embracing him (no matter how ugly candidate is and did.). It’s how cults work. And it will secure wins for Dems into 2018 and beyond.— Mike Signorile (@MSignorile) November 8, 2017
Fox News has nothing on Virginia this morning, instead they are replaying election night 2016 highlights.— Conn Carroll (@conncarroll) November 8, 2017
Nice work New Jersey. And Virginia. And Seattle. And Hoboken. And Edison. And Prince William County. And Minneapolis. Hey, nice work America— Kal Penn (@kalpenn) November 8, 2017
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