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Youngkin wins Virginia governor's race with shocking victory over Democrat McAuliffe
Republican Glenn Youngkin shocked the political world in Virginia on Tuesday night, defeating former Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe in an election with national implications that McAuliffe was once expected to win.

"Alrighty, Virginia. We won this thing!" Youngkin told supporters at his victory party a little after 1 a.m. ET Wednesday.

Youngkin ran a disciplined campaign, focusing on taxes, crime, and holding public schools accountable to parents, while McAuliffe spent much of his fire power the past couple of months trying to link Youngkin to former President Donald Trump.

McAuliffe also nationalized the race, campaigning with President Biden, Vice President Harris, former President Obama, and other top Democrats in an unsuccessful attempt to boost his fortunes.

Two months ago, McAuliffe held a mid-single-digit lead in a state that Biden won by 10 points over Trump just a year ago, but Youngkin erased the former governor's advantage in the closing stretch of the campaign. CLICK HERE FOR MORE ON OUR TOP STORY.

In other developments:
- Biden, Obama, Harris all strike out for McAuliffe in Virginia
- Youngkin congratulated by top Republicans, including Pence, Paul, Cotton, Haley
- Critical race theory top factor for 25% of Virginia voters, while 72% called it important: Fox analysis
- Virginia moms and dads say Youngkin victory a win for parental rights
- Virginia governor-elect Youngkin's economic plan includes lower taxes, less regulation
- Virginia parents send clear message to Democrats: This nonsense isn’t acceptable anymore

New Jersey Republican makes it a race against favored Dem incumbent: Too close to call
The race for governor in New Jersey remained too close to call early Wednesday as Gov. Phil Murphy’s Republican challenger Jack Ciattarelli clung to a slight lead.

The two waged tense campaigns with Murphy presenting himself as a solid progressive. Ciattarelli tried to paint Murphy as out of touch with the average voter and was critical of his leadership during the COVID-19 epidemic.

The campaigns ended their Election Night parties without either claiming victory, NJ.com reported. Both struck optimistic tones with their supporters.

"We’ve sent a message to the entire nation. This is what I love about this state: Every single time it's gone too far off track, the people of this state have pushed, pulled and prodded it right back to where it needs to be," Ciattarelli said.

Murphy has been leading in the polls, has a 1 million-voter registration advantage and had more cash in his campaign coffers than Ciattarelli in the final days of the race.

"We’re all sorry that tonight cannot yet be the celebration we wanted it to be," Murphy said, according to the paper. "But when every vote is counted—and every vote will be counted—we hope to have a celebration." CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

In other developments:
- Gov. Murphy positioned as 'canary in a coal mine' for Democrat policies: 'We're doing what they're discussing'
- VIDEO: New Jersey governor’s election was supposed to be a blowout: ‘No one expected this’
- Phil Murphy: What to know about New Jersey governor
- Jack Ciattarelli: What to know about New Jersey gubernatorial candidate

Braves win World Series thanks to power, pitching in Game 6
The Atlanta Braves fought through injuries, a tough National League East, a stacked playoff bracket and the best team in the American League – but on Tuesday night they called themselves World Series champions.

For the first time since 1995, the Braves won baseball's Fall Classic with a Game 6 rout of the Houston Astros 7-0. The Braves won the series 4-2.

Atlanta, much like in Game 5, started off strong. Jorge Soler came up in the third inning with two outs and Ozzie Albies and Eddie Rosario on base. He battled with Houston starting pitcher Luis Garcia in an eight-pitch at-bat that ended with a moon shot to left field and over the train tracks at Houston's Minute Maid Park.

The home run put the Braves up three runs and the team never looked back. CLICK HERE FOR MORE.

In other developments:
- Braves pennant win prompts GOP's Brian Kemp to jab at Stacey Abrams, MLB over Atlanta All-Star snub
- Trump joins Braves fans in 'tomahawk chop' during World Series Game 4
- Late innings = late nights as World Series games lengthen
- MLB pitchers may have batted for the final time in World Series Game 5

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TODAY'S MUST-READS:
- NYC mayoral election: Democrat Eric Adams soundly defeats Republican Curtis Sliwa
- Southern California city would have highest minimum wage in country under proposal
- Prior COVID-19 infection does not protect as well as vaccine against reinfection: CDC
- Alec Baldwin shares comment slamming 'bulls---' claims of poor working conditions on 'Rust'
- California school board votes to bring police back to school campuses following 'defund' movement

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- Biden falsely claims wages rising faster than inflation

SOME PARTING WORDS

Sean Hannity reminded viewers Tuesday night although President Biden won Virginia by 10 points, he is now "underwater in Virginia by nearly 10 points. That is a 20-point swing."

The "Hannity" host said that swing "could be a referendum on the deeply unpopular Joe Biden and his administration. As we speak, Democrats all across the country are panicking. According to exit polls, the economy was the top issue for Virginia voters and the economy is in an historic state of chaos.

"But tonight, Democrats may be in for a rude awakening – calling everyone a racist, blaming Donald Trump for everything," he said. "Well, it might not be the winnable strategy. They thought it would be."

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Fox News First was compiled by Fox News' Jack Durschlag. Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Have a great weekend, stay safe and we’ll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday.