Virginia special elections test Democratic enthusiasm as Trump takes office

Virginia is holding the first special election of the year in what is being billed as a test for Democratic enthusiasm ahead of the state’s gubernatorial race later this year. 

Democrats are widely expected to hold a state House and state Senate seat in Loudoun County outside of Washington, D.C., while Republicans are expected to hold a Senate seat outside of Richmond. 

Virginia Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D) is facing off against Republican Tumay Harding in the 32nd Senate District, which was previously held by now-Rep.