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Glenn Youngkin: Win for Republican in Virginia governor vote
Glenn Youngkin's victory is a blow for Joe Biden, who won the state in the presidential election.
Politics
Republican Glenn Youngkin has been elected as Virginia's next governor in a major upset, with his Democratic opponent conceding the race.
The ballot has been widely seen as a referendum on Joe Biden's presidency, and defeat will unnerve the Democrats.
He won by 10 points in Virginia in the presidential election just a year ago.
But rising inflation, a slow economic recovery, a deadlocked legislative agenda and the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan have hit his popularity.
In a speech to cheering supporters, Mr Youngkin promised to get to work straight away to transform the state.
"We work in real people time, not government time," the Republican declared.
Mr McAuliffe, who served as governor from 2014-18 but saw his opinion poll lead vanish in recent weeks, said he had "come up short" but insisted the state remained on a path towards "inclusion, openness and tolerance for all".
The state's current, Democratic governor, Ralph Northam, was unable to stand for re-election as Virginia does not allow governors to serve consecutive terms in office.
In more potential good news for Republicans in the state, their candidate, former US Marine Winsome Sears, is tipped to become the first black female lieutenant governor of the state, which was the former seat of the pro-slavery Confederacy during the American Civil War.