2011 Virginia Election Results: Democrats Fare Well In Arlington, Fairfax Local Races

WASHINGTON -- While all eyes watching the final results in the Virginia Senate, voters in Northern Virginia decided a variety of local races at the polls on Tuesday.

In Arlington County, Democratic incumbents Mary Hynes and Walter Tejada won re-election to the county board. "I'm delighted. It's nice to have the confidence of the voters," Hynes told Patch at a Democratic victory party at Bailey's Sports Grille. "I've emphasized working together and being open to new ideas, all in the service of having a good community," she said. "I think Arlington voters affirmed that today."

In Fairfax County, Sharon Bulova won re-election as chair of the Board of Supervisors with nearly 60 percent of the vote. Her fellow Democrats won races in the Dranesville, Hunter Mill, Lee, Mason, Mount Vernon and Providence districts. Republicans won seats in the Braddock, Springfield and Sully districts. "Thank you for being out there and working, knocking on doors," Bulova said at a Tuesday night victory party, according to Patch. "Thank you all of you who are making phone calls and the folks who I saw out there at the polls today and throughout the campaign, thank you."

Sheriff Stan Barry, the 12-year Democratic incumbent, fended off a feisty Republican challenge.

In closely watched school board races in Fairfax County, incumbent members largely came out on top. As The Washington Post reports, while the school board seats are technically non-partisan, the local Republican and Democratic parties endorsed candidates. "[T]he outcome suggested that Democrats gained influence, with candidates endorsed by their party appearing to hold 10 seats on the new board," the Post reported, adding that "the campaign was less a showdown between parties than between candidates who defended the system and those who said it needs a major overhaul."

For complete results in Fairfax County, click here.