RICHMOND, Va. — State Senator Jennifer McClellan emerged victorious as the Democratic nominee for Virginia's 4th District on Thursday.
According to a news release from the Democratic Party of Virginia, the results were done tabulating shortly after 4 a.m. from the Firehouse Primary, which was held on December 20.
McClellan won by an overwhelming majority, with nearly 85% of the total vote.
Opponent Joseph D. Morrissey came in behind McClellan with roughly 13.5% of the total vote.
This was also a historic moment for the Democratic Party of Virginia, with a total of 27,900 votes cast.
That number makes it the largest party-run nomination process in the history of the state's party.
“I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence 4th Congressional Democrats have placed in me to be their nominee, and amazed by the turnout on a cold Tuesday in December. The voters sent a clear message that they valued the servant leadership demonstrated by Congressman McEachin, and they want to continue such leadership in Congress.," McClellan said in a statement.
"Donald McEachin was a warrior for voting rights, and it is a fitting tribute that the people of the 4th District showed the power of democracy by turning out in unprecedented numbers on Tuesday after a one-week campaign."
The race to fill Virginia's 4th District seat comes after the passing of longtime Rep. Donald McEachin, who died on Nov. 28.
McEachin was first elected to represent the district in 2016.
He had been re-elected this election cycle but passed away from complications associated with colorectal cancer several weeks later.
“The Fourth Congressional District of Virginia made history 134 years ago by sending John Mercer Langston as the first Black member of Congress from Virginia. Now, we are ready to make history again," McClellan's statement continued.