June 13 (UPI) -- The state of Virginia chose its Republican and Democratic candidates Tuesday to replace outgoing Gov. Terry McAuliffe.
Polls closed in Virginia Tuesday evening and election officials began counting ballots for both parties' candidates.
On the Democratic side, Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam, a fierce critic of President Donald Trump's, was projected to win the party nomination -- with more than 55 percent of the vote -- over Tom Perriello.
'Tonight, we're one step closer to building a Virginia that works for everyone -- no matter who you are, no matter where you're from," Northam tweeted.
"We're going to be making a lot of house calls in Virginia to win this thing in November," Democratic Party Chairman Tom Perez added.
"We are hoping for the best but know, no matter what, we will be a united party tomorrow headed to victory in November," Perriello said.
On the Republican side, Edward Gillespie was in a neck-and-neck race with Corey Stewart Tuesday night -- with Frank Wagner trailing distantly. Gillespie is the former chairman of the Republican National Committee.
McAuliffe, who cannot seek re-election due to term limits, has backed Northam for the post.
The certified winners of Tuesday's primary will go on to the general election on Nov. 7, which will include Libertarian candidate Cliff Hyra.
