Democrats are picking up seats in the Virginia legislature tonight. They might just win a majority in the state Senate, pending a couple of close races, and the Republican majority in the House of Delegates has been narrowed slightly.

The reason is very simple: The Republicans are getting creamed in Northern Virginia.

In one particular result that really must hurt, incumbent GOP state Senator Jeannemarie Devolites Davis — wife of Congressman Tom Davis — is down by 12 points, with nearly 80% of the vote counted.

11:27 p.m. ... The Associated Press has declared Democratic candidate Chap Petersen the winner against Devolites Davis.

11:53 p.m. ... Governor Tim Kaine (D) has declared victory, saying that the Democrats have won control of the state Senate.

12:07 a.m. ... The AP has called 19 seats for the Democrats, while the Dem candidates are ahead in two other races. That would give them 21 out of 40 seats.