McDougle wins Senate seat

While Democrats appear poised to take control of Virginia’s legislature, voters in Gloucester and Mathews chose to return three Republicans to the two chambers during Tuesday’s election.

In the only local contested state race, Ryan McDougle defeated Democratic challenger Pam Garner in the newly redrawn 26th Senate District. McDougle, who currently represents the 4th Senate District, received 62.36 percent of the vote districtwide, compared to 37.56 percent for Garner.

The margin of victory for the Republican incumbent was larger in Gloucester and Mathews counties, with McDougle getting 69.1 percent in Gloucester and 71.05 percent in Mathews.

Del. Keith Hodges, who represents much of the two counties, and Del. Chad Green, whose redrawn 69th District includes Gloucester’s Hayes and Sarahs Creek precincts, both won their House of Delegate races unopposed.

Overall, voter turnout was larger in Mathews County, with 60.11 percent of eligible voters ca...