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Virginia Elections 2019
Democracy Dies in Darkness

In contest for Black’s seat, focus on gun violence, response to Justin Fairfax allegations

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October 31, 2019 at 9:20 p.m. EDT
A mailer put out by the Republican Party of Virginia, which Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax (D) and other Democrats say plays on a racist stereotype of black men preying on white women. (Antonio Olivo/The Washington Post)

With longtime Republican state Sen. Richard H. Black leaving office at year’s end, Democrats appear poised to win the Loudoun County-area seat he’s held on to as his district turned increasingly blue.

Del. John J. Bell (D-Loudoun) and Loudoun County Supervisor Geary M. Higgins (R-Catoctin) are each catering their message to moderate voters, particularly white women. Both parties have poured massive resources into Tuesday’s contest, which they consider key in the battle for control of the Virginia Senate.