Virginia Democrat wins special election — avoiding GOP seat flip

History has been made in Virginia tonight as Jennifer McClellan wins the state's special election to become the first African-American congresswoman from the commonwealth, helping the Democratic party avoid a costly flip of a House seat to the GOP.

McClellan was a Virginia state senator and won the special election for the 4th Congressional District by defeating the Republican candidate Leon Benjamin. Benjamin is a pastor and Navy veteran who catered to Virginia's large military constituency.

McClellan is replacing late Democratic Rep. Donald McEachin, who died in November.