2014 Midterm Elections: Virginia Senate race closer than expected

Democrat Mark Warner of Virginia was not considered one of the most endangered senators this cycle. But Republican Ed Gillespie is putting up a fight on Election Day, making the race much closer than expected.

There has been very strong turnout among conservative portions of the electorate, specifically white evangelicals. These voters comprised 28 percent of the electorate today, five points higher than in 2012. Additionally, older Virginia voters--54 percent of whom voted for GOP nominee Mitt Romney in 2012-- increased their share of the electorate by seven points.

The close race is surprising partly because of Warner's popularity. Fifty-six percent of today's voters said they have a favorable view of Warner, compared to only just 48 percent who said the same of Gillespie. On the other hand, voters' views of the two parties are equally negative: 58 percent view Democrats unfavorably, and 58 percent view the GOP unfavorably.

Polls in Virginia closed at 7 p.m.