Indian-American Democratic candidate Supriya Christopher on Tuesday failed to become Virginia's first ever Asian-American legislator when she lost to Republican candidate Sal Iaquinto in the race for the open 84th House District.
Republican Robert F McDonnell, who was contesting for state attorney general, had represented the seat since 1991.
Iaquinto, a former legislative aide to McDonnell, garnered 8,271 votes (55.52 %) to beat Christopher, who polled 6,605 votes (44.33 %) in a district with 43,818 registered voters.
Only 14,898 (34 %) of the residents voted.
Iaquinto's victory continued the stranglehold of the Republicans in Virginia Beach politics.
Christopher is a former television anchorwoman, army officer, and journalist who runs her own communications company in Virginia Beach.
She was the beneficiary of several fundraisers by Indian-American Democrats in the state and also received significant contributions from members of the community across the country.
Outgoing Democratic Governor Mark Warner, like many in the Democratic Party, had strongly endorsed Christopher and gave her an excellent chance of winning.
In several interviews with rediff India Abroad during the run-up to the elections, Christopher was gung-ho about her chances. "We are in this race to winno doubt about it," she said.
Be she had also acknowledged that 'there is no doubt that this is a very tough race and it's a tough district'.
Christopher's connection to Virginia Beach has been personal. She's a long-time resident of this community, and besides being an entrepreneur, is a mother of two.
Her husband Damien is a Navy Lieutenant Commander and a fighter pilot, who has just returned from Iraq.
In a city with a significant US Navy presence, Christopher co-founded and headed the Military Spouses Association and she has made keeping fighter jets at Oceana Naval Air Station her top campaign issue along with other issues like education and transportation.
