The cheers spilled out onto Charles St., decibel level increasing steadily on the way to a stage where Eugene Vindman stood before a row of cameras and full-throated supporters alternating syllables of his by-this-point-household surname.
Around 8 p.m., Vindman took the microphone sporting a navy blue suit and a brand-new title: Democratic Party nominee for the 7th Congressional District. He was flanked by his wife Cindy Groff Vindman and his twin brother, Alexander, who played a key role in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump.
“The stakes of this election couldn’t be higher,” Eugene Vindman said, once cheers had died down at his election watch party in downtown Fredericksburg.
Vindman’s celebration began early Tuesday, with several major media outlets — including The Associated Press — declaring him the victor in a field of seven Democratic candidates before 8 p.m. As of publication time, Vindman had accrued 16,170 votes and 49.21% of ballots cast, according to the Virginia Public Access Project.
“The polls have been closed for an hour,” said state Sen. Russett Perry, who introduced Vindman. “That’s what we call an overwhelming win.”
Vindman’s Republican counterpart had to wait slightly longer for clarity. It was nearly 9 p.m. when Derrick Anderson arrived at Highmark Brewery in southern Stafford County.
Anderson, a former Green Beret who has touted his local roots in Spotsylvania, entered the brewery to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” and backed by the cheers of his supporters who brought him a 47% win in the Republican primary. Cameron Hamilton, who generated late momentum after holding a town hall in Spotsylvania earlier this month with U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Kentucky) garnered 36.5% of the vote, according to VPAP.
“We’ve put in countless hours over the last few months. It’s amazing to be here tonight, fighting the good fight,” Anderson said. “Thank you for taking a chance on a normal guy from Spotsylvania County.”
U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (right) talks with Fredericksburg Mayor Kerry Devine and Councilors Will Mackintosh and Jannan Holmes during an election night evening at Curitaba Art Cafe. (Photo by Joey LoMonaco)
Anderson thanked his family, campaign team, volunteers and Stafford supervisors Meg Bohmke, Crystal Vanuch and Darrell English, and Stafford Commissioner of Revenue Scott Mayausky.
“The 7th district is my home, it’s the place that raised me. Where I grew up mopping floors in my mom’s restaurants. It’s where I began my journey,” Anderson said.
Three blocks from Vindman, U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine was at Curitiba Art Cafe for an event organized jointly by the Fredericksburg Democrats, his campaign and the Biden/Harris 2024 campaign when he learned of his upcoming opponent in November’s election.
Multiple outlets called the Republican Senatorial primary in favor of Hung Cao, a retired Naval officer who has received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump.
“Whoever it is, I’m going to run and I’m going to win,” Kaine said of his quest for a third Senate term.
(Free Press reporter Kathy Knotts contributed to this report).
