Brian Moran's statement on Tuesday night:We did it! Over the past few months we've been traveling across the Commonwealth asking you to get your friends out to elect more great Democrats in Virginia, and yesterday you responded in force.In 2001, you elected Mark Warner as Governor. In 2005, you brought Tim Kaine to Richmond to continue Warner's work. In 2006, you sent Jim Webb to the Senate. And yesterday you elected a whole slate of great Democrats.
We won 4 seats in the House of Delegates, and took control of the Senate of Virginia. In the House, this is the largest gains since 1975, and we saw gains in the traditionally Republican areas of Virginia Beach and Prince William County. It was a tremendous night where we changed the House of Delegates and put Democrats on the path to take control in the next few years.
Since 2001, I've been proud to Chair the House Democratic Caucus as we've seen the largest gains since reconstruction, and last night was the biggest single night in decades. Watching the returns last night, I was filled with excitement as I saw you'd elected a great team of strong Democratic leaders dedicated to bringing a brighter, safer and more prosperous future for all Virginians.Let me thank Governor Tim Kaine and Mark Warner for what they invested in these critical races all across Virginia. To be clear, last night's success was built in the footsteps of their leadership over the last 6 years. As well, thanks to our House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong for his tireless work and energy in these House of Delegates campaigns.
And, special congratulations to my partners in the Senate, Dick Saslaw and Mary Margaret Whipple, for all they have achieved. I was proud to work to make gains in the House and change the Senate this year.
But last night wasn't an end, it was a beginning. We aren't here just to win elections. We win elections in order to give Virginia the government it deserves. Today is the start of the journey and we still need your help. Yesterday's election was public recognition of the great record and innovative solutions that Democrats have brought to Virginia. It was about Virginians across the state coming together in support of honest, hardworking leadership, and common sense solutions to everyday issues.
I'm excited about the opportunity to begin work with these great Democrats, and I know you'll join me in welcoming them to the Assembly. Special congratulations to Delegate-elect Matheison and Bouchard from Virginia Beach, Nichols from Prince William County and Vanderhye from McLean. As well, may we all applaud the success of Senator-elect Ralph Northam from the Eastern Shore, John Miller from Newport News, George Barker from Fairfax and Chap Petersen from Fairfax.
We're going to hit the ground running and continue the work that has already made Virginia the Best-managed State in the Nation, the Best State for Business and the Best State for a Child's lifetime success.