RICHMOND, Va. — Del. Hala Ayala has won the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.
Ayala represents parts of Prince William County in the legislature and launched her political career in 2017 in response to the election of Donald Trump.
Ayala was the favorite of the Democratic establishment and was endorsed by Gov. Ralph Northam. She defeated Roanoke Del. Sam Rasoul, who had been the preferred candidate of the party’s progressive wing.
“I congratulate Delegate Ayala on her victory tonight. It was an honor to run in the most diverse Lieutenant Governor’s primary in Virginia history, with a slate of candidates that truly looks like and represents all of Virginia, and I will be working hard to help elect Delegate Ayala this November," said Rasoul in a statement to WUSA9.
She will face Republican Winsome Sears in November. In the other statewide down-ballot race, Democratic Attorney General Mark Herring defeated state Del. Jay Jones.
Democrats and Republicans are also choosing nominees for some House of Delegates seats and local races.