McGuire Claims Victory in Virginia District as Perriello Awaits Remaining Ballots

Republican Rep. John McGuire declared victory in Virginia’s 5th Congressional District, while Democratic challenger Tom Perriello said the race remained unresolved until outstanding ballots were counted. Early reports showed a close contest, and later tallies put McGuire ahead by roughly 8,000 votes as election officials continued counting remaining ballots. Perriello pointed to support in rural areas and among other voter groups, as well as provisional and overseas ballots, and said he believed he could still win. McGuire said he would continue working to earn the trust of voters who did not support him.