The Associated Press reports that Rob Wittman, a first-term Republican state legislator, has won a Virginia seat in Congress, defeating Democrat Philip Forgit.

Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis died earlier this year, and three candidates vied for her seat.

Independent Lucky Narain also ran in this special election.

The candidates have had less than two months to campaign and get their message out. Republicans have held the seat for a long time, which helps Wittman, but Forgit and Narain feel that it is time for a change.

Wittman promises to carry on the former congresswoman’s hard work and ideals.

“To understand military issues, to understand issues about transportation, to understand issues that are important in everybody’s everyday lives, and I’d love to follow in those footsteps,” said the state delegate.

Forgit, an Iraq War veteran, is convinced that voters sent a message in November that democrats will do a better job.

“I would be in the majority,” he said. “So, most likely, I would be sitting on the House Armed Services committee. I would be bringing in federal dollars to the district to help solve those problems.”

Narain, an Army reservist, said it’s time for someone who is not part of the establishment to get things done.

“This is not about being republican or democrat,” he said. “This is about being conservative. This is about being honest. This is about being fair.”