US political expert Peter Loge says the victory of the Republican candidate at the Virginia gubernatorial election is "not surprising," but adds that it's a "warning to Democrats" for the 2022 midterm elections. The race was initially expected to be a comfortable Democratic win but instead became a toss-up in the closing days of the campaign, with Virginians ultimately handing Republican newcomer Glenn Youngkin 51 percent of the vote. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES