Former Vice President Joe Biden has won the Virginia Democratic presidential primary, beating out the three other Democratic candidates in the race – Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont, former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg (an ex-Republican!) and Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts.
Biden’s presidential bid gained incredible momentum when he won the South Carolina Democratic Primary with 48.4% of the votes.
In a speech after results were called in South Carolina, Biden showed a notable amount of tact and energy compared to previous public engagements throughout the campaign, staying on message and enthusiastic throughout the speech.
“Let’s get back up,” he said to a crowd of supporters.
“We’re decent, we’re brave, we’re resilient people. We can believe again.”
Virginia is a diverse state – a mix of rural, urban and suburban area.
Democrats have also won every recent statewide election in Virginia but the state tends to favor neoliberal Democrats over more progressive candidates.
Tim Kaine, Virginia Senator and former running mate of Hilary Clinton, endorsed Biden late last week before the South Carolina primary.
“America is afflicted by a President who delights in the division, cruelty, lies, and chaos,” Kaine said via Twitter. “We deserve better in the Oval Office. In Virginia’s primary, I will proudly vote for Joe Biden. Joe has an exemplary heart, character, and experience-and he’s a leader our kids can look up to.”
Bloomberg, a late entrant in the race, actually launched his campaign in Virginia and had previously contributed $2.5 million to different groups that help Democrats gain control of the Virginia state legislature.
Stay tuned for more results as our Super Tuesday coverage continues.