Nov 3, 2021 - Politics & Policy

Miyares elected as first Latino attorney general in Virginia history

Yacob Reyes

Virginia Republican Attorney General candidate Jason Miyares speaks during a campaign rally — Jason Miyares speaks during a campaign rally for Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Glenn Youngkin on Oct. 25. Photo: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

Republican Jason Miyares has defeated incumbent Mark Herring and will become the first Latino attorney general in Virginia's history, and the first Latino to win a statewide race, per AP.

Why it matters: Miyares' victory comes as part of a sweep for Republicans in Virginia. After having not won a statewide race since 2009, the GOP won all three executive positions up for grabs in 2021.

Glenn Youngkin (R) beat Democrat Terry McAuliffe in the governor's race, while Winsome Sears (R) defeated Democrat Hala Ayala for lieutenant governor.

Miyares will become the first Republican attorney general in the state since Ken Cuccinelli, who in 2009 was among the last slate of Republicans to win statewide in Virginia.

AP called the race Wednesday evening, moments after Herring conceded.

What they're saying: "Fifty-six years ago, my mother fled Cuba — with nothing but a dream ... for a better life for her family," Miyares said in a statement. "Now I stand here today — elected to be the attorney general of the Commonwealth of Virginia."

"[T]hank you, Viriginia, for giving me the opportunity to make history."

The other side: "From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank the people of Virginia for trusting me to serve as your attorney general for the last eight years," Herring wrote in a statement conceding the race Wednesday.

Go deeper: An election-night warning for Democrats

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Miyares elected as first Latino attorney general in Virginia history

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