Elections were held yesterday in Kentucky, Mississippi, New Jersey and Virginia.     

Over the past few weeks, all eyes have been on Virginia, as the balance of power in the state was on the line. 

Heading into Election Day, Republicans held a slim one-seat majority in both the state Senate (21-19) and the House of Delegates (51-49). Democrats took control of the state Senate and House of Delegates. With last night’s victories, Democrats will hold a trifecta for the first time since 1994, controlling the governor’s mansion, Senate and House of Delegates in 2020.

In Kentucky and Mississippi, control of the governors’ mansions was in play. In Kentucky, incumbent Gov. Matt Bevin (R) faced off against Attorney General Andy Beshear (D). Gov. Bevin received 48.8% of the votes, while attorney general received 49.2%. Beshear declared victory over Bevin, who has yet to concede.

In Mississippi, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves (R) and State Attorney General Jim Hood (D) were neck-in-neck in the polls leading up to election day. But after receiving 52.2% of the vote, Reeves won the Magnolia State’s governor’s mansion.

The New Jersey General Assembly and one state Senate seat were also up for election yesterday. Democrats held control of the state House of Delegates (53-42). A special election was held in state Senate District 1 between appointed incumbent Sen. Bob Andrzejczak (D) and Michael Testa (R). Testa carried 54% of the vote and was declared the winner.

Now, all focus turns to the Louisiana governor’s race. Incumbent Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) will face off against businessman and ABC member Eddie Rispone (R) in the general election on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Rispone is the founder of ISC Contractors, one of the largest merit shop specialty contracting firms in the U.S. industrial market. He served as ABC’s 2003 chair and has been an active member of the organization’s chapters and leadership in Louisiana and beyond.