Democrats Capture Control of Virginia Senate

Democrats also picked up at least four House seats, including two in Northern Virginia. Democrat Margaret G. Vanderhye beat Republican David M. Hunt for the seat of retiring Del. Vincent F. Callahan Jr. (R-Fairfax). In Prince William, Democrat Paul Nichols picked up the seat of retiring GOP Del. Michele B. McQuigg. Del. Thomas Davis Rust (R-Fairfax) beat Democrat Jay P. Donahue.

Depending on the outcome of that race, Republicans will hold either a seven- or eight-seat majority in the House because they also unseated Del. Katherine B. Waddell, an independent from suburban Richmond. House Speaker William J. Howell (R-Stafford) issued a statement last night saying the "strong Republican majority in the House of Delegates endured despite a challenging political environment."

For most of the year, Republicans have been worried President Bush's unpopularity could become a drag on their candidates. Several Democratic candidates, particularly in Northern Virginia, sought to make their race in part a referendum on GOP policies in Washington.

The message appeared to be particularly effective in Hampton Roads, where Democrats won two seats over conservative Republicans.

In the Senate contests, Democrat Ralph S. Northam beat incumbent Sen. D. Nick Rerras (R) in the Norfolk area. John C. Miller (D) beat Patricia B. "Tricia" Stall (R) in the other Tidewater race.

In one of the most closely watched races in Northern Virginia, Democrat J.C. "Chap" Petersen beat Davis.

"This is one of those moments you dream about your whole life," Petersen told supporters at the Hilton in Tysons after his victory was clear.

"My hat's off to her for her service," he said of Davis.

Kaine staked his political reputation on Democratic gains in the 140-member legislature as he sought to build on the party's recent advances in the state and bolster the chances he can win approval of his agenda to invest more in education, health care and the environment.

Virginia Republicans responded to Kaine by telling voters that they would keep taxes low and crack down on illegal immigration, themes that spilled into local races in Northern Virginia.

In Fairfax, there were also several competitive races for the nine other board seats, and voters selected Raymond F. Morrogh (D) to replace Commonwealth's Attorney Robert F. Horan Jr. (D), who decided not to seek reelection.

But much of the attention was centered on state legislative races.