Chafin easily defeated Democrat Mike Hymes, a Tazewell County supervisor, and independent Rick Mullins.
Chafin’s victory gives Republicans a 21-18 edge in the state Senate. That means the GOP will continue to lead the chamber if Democrats hold the Richmond-area seat of retired Sen. Henry L. Marsh III, in a Nov. 4 special election.
Chafin’s victory means Gov. Terry McAuliffe could face legislative obstacles in both chambers. Republicans hold about two-thirds of the seats in the House of Delegates.