After special elections, Democrats have new reasons to celebrate
MSNBCFeb 22, 2023
Virginia Democratic state Sen. Jennifer McClellan was elected on Tuesday to represent Virginia’s 4th US Congressional District, making her the first Black woman elected to Congress from the state.
McClellan defeated Republican Leon Benjamin, a Navy veteran and local pastor, to fill the seat formerly held by Rep. A. Donald McEachin, who passed away in November.
After exceeding expectations in the 2022 midterm elections, Democrats are continuing their electoral momentum. McClellan’s historic victory, aside from being a source of celebration on its own, comes amid Democratic victories in similar races in New Hampshire and Kentucky. The Party's progressive message is obviously resonating nationwide.
In terms of identity politics, McClellan’s win is something to celebrate. However, Republicans still maintain their House majority. The emphasis lawmakers are putting on this result shows voters that the Democratic Party is more concerned with a racial headcount than they are with helping the American people. The GOP are the ones truly concerned with policymaking and representing the interests of ordinary voters.
There is a 67% chance that the Republicans will win control of the House of Representatives in 2024, according to the Metaculus prediction community.