via M. Smith

  After a close race for Virginia's 1st Congressional District, challenger Shannon Taylor was declared the winner around noon on Thursday, November 5. According to Virginia Dept. of Elections, Taylor won 51.04%, or 207,882 votes, and Rob Wittman won 48.72, or 198,417, as of Thursday afternoon. Wittman conceded within hours of the announcement congratulating Taylor and vowing to serve his district to the end. Here is his complete statement: Montross, Virginia — Congressman Rob Wittman issued the following statement following the results of the election in Virginia’s First Congressional District:   “While the outcome of this election is not what we had hoped for, I am profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence the people of Virginia’s First District have placed in me for nearly two decades.   “Kathryn and I want to thank our family, friends, campaign staff, volunteers, and the thousands of Virginians who worked tirelessly throughout this campaign. Your dedication, fr...