VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - Election night proved to keep residents on their toes as Virginia's 2nd District House of Representatives race was a close one.
In the end, Democrat Elaine Luria upset incumbent Republican Congressman Scott Taylor and is projected to take the seat. Luria won 51 percent to Taylor's 49 percent.
Taylor officially conceded around 11:30 p.m. Tuesday:
Representing this community, commonwealth, and country is and has always been the honor of my life. I am truly thankful and humbled for my supporters, friends, and most importantly...my family. I’m very proud of all the work my team has accomplished over the past two years for working people, veterans, and the military. Congrats to Elaine Luria, her family, and her supporters. We wish her all the best, as her success is our success.
Born in Birmingham, Alabama, Luria majored in physics and history when she attended the United States Naval Academy. Graduating from the Naval Academy, Luria would go on to serve as a career officer in the U.S. Navy, retiring in 2017.
Luria is also a small business owner, opening the Mermaid Factory's Norfolk location in 2013 and the Mermaid Factory's Virginia Beach location in 2015.
"It's been exhilarating, obviously," Luria said of her win during an interview with News 3 on Wednesday.
Luria won by more than 6,000 votes and won the district's largest area, Virginia Beach. "It's a change in demographics of people voting," Luria said. "People are getting more engaged."
While the House flipped to Democratic control, the Senate grew even more Republican. "It will be challenging, but I think having both parties engaged [can] create compromise," she said.
Related: Scott Taylor, Elaine Luria meet for 2nd debate ahead of Election Day
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