Brat handily takes 7th District win over Trammell, filling Cantor’s seat

Dr. David Brat claimed victory over incumbent Eric Cantor in the primaries, beat out Democratic challenger Jack Trammell Tuesday.

November 5, 2014; 6:45 AM • by Trevor Dickerson

Glen Allen resident and Randolph Macon College professor Dr. David Brat overtook fellow R-MC professor Dr. Jack Trammell to win Virginia’s 7th District Congressional seat in Tuesday’s midterm elections.

CNN called the race with just under half of all precincts reporting, with Brat, a Republican backed largely by Tea Party supporters, enjoying a lead of 26,000 votes over his Democratic opponent. With 100% of precincts reporting by 11:00 PM, the lead continued to grow, with Brat taking 60% of the vote. Trammell took 36%.

Brat was thrust into the national spotlight after winning the primary vote and ousting seven-term Congressman Eric Cantor–the first time the nation’s sitting House Majority Leader lost an election while serving in more than a century.

While Cantor outspent Brat 10-1 in the 2014 primary campaign, many voters felt Cantor’s focus had shifted from the concerns of 7th District constituents to those of associates in Washington–one of many sentiments that was reflected at the ballot box.

For more on Brat and his policies, visit his campaign website.

Photo: Dave Brat for Congress