By Diana McFarland

Editor

Updated 5 a.m.

Republican Delegate Emily Brewer, 64th, will return to Richmond in January for a second term in the House of Delegates. She edged out Democratic challenger Michele Joyce with 60 percent of the vote. 

Brewer took Isle of Wight with the same percentage of votes, but Joyce earned more votes in Surry County at 53 percent, which typically leans Democratic. 

State-wide, Democrats took control of the House by picking up six additional seats, and in the Senate, Democrats also won with a two-seat margin, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.  Democrats now hold 55 out of 100 seats in the House. In the Senate, Democrats took 21 seats compared to 19 by Republicans — a change that shifts the balance of power in Richmond on key issues such as gun control. 

Virginia was being eyed as a barometer for the 2020 Presidential elections, as the battle is on for control of Washington by both parties. 

Representing Isle of Wight, incumbent Republican Senators Tommy Norment, 3rd, and John Cosgrove, 14th, easily defeating their Democratic opponents, Herb Jones and Rebecca Raverson. Democratic Senator Louise Lucas, 18th, was unopposed and will also return to Richmond in January.