PORTSMOUTH, Va. — Born and raised in Hampton Roads, 26-year-old Nadarius Clark made history today when he won the 79th District House of Delegates position.
Clark is officially the youngest Democratic delegate in all of the Commonwealth's history to be elected to the General Assembly. He is also the first African American to serve the 79th District.
"I think that it represents that the community and the voters agree that it is time to have fresh blood in the statehouse and to have new ideas," Clark told 13News Now.
Clark received approximately 56% of the popular vote, while his Republican opponent Lawrence Mason received 44%, according to the Virginia Department of Election's unofficial results.
The Associated Press called the race Wednesday afternoon.
Clark attended I.C. Norcom High School in Portsmouth, and his progressive platform ran on key issues like healthcare, police reform and education.
"First, we have to look at our education system," he said. "We have to make sure teachers are getting paid what they deserve."
The 79th District is comprised of Norfolk, Chesapeake and Portsmouth.
According to previous coverage, Clark had beat three-time incumbent Stephen Heretick for the nomination back in June.
In an election that featured Republicans dominating statewide, Clark thinks his victory could be a sign of what many in the Democratic Party are looking for.
"Hopefully now we can all see that progressive views, values and platforms offer a wide scope of ranges on issues," he said. "It says that voters are ready for it, and that's what the voters want."