Two special elections held today, both in strong Republican districts, stuck to their party registration tonight, as both Virginia 01 and Ohio 05 elected new GOP members of Congress.

With all but one precinct reporting, State Rep. Rob Wittman has won the special election for the 1st District of Virginia 61%-37% over Democrat Philip Forgit, replacing the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis who died in October.

In Northwest Ohio, the race to replace the late Rep. Paul Gillmor caused Republicans some heartache. The party spent more than $425,000 to retain the seat, though State Rep. Bob Latta retained the seat for Republicans. Latta won 57% to Democrat Robin Wierach's 43%.

Though Democrats seemed optimistic about opportunities presented by Wittman and Latta's seats, Republicans held their own. The party swatted away Democratic hopes of stealing a seat; had Democrats succeeded, they would have perpetuated the storyline that Republicans were in a disastrous environment.

-- Kyle Trygstad and Reid Wilson