Eugene Vindman has won the Democratic primary for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District, despite facing numerous campaign challenges. Vindman, known for his role in the first impeachment of former President Donald Trump, emerged victorious on Tuesday night, setting the stage for a potentially dramatic general election.

Vindman’s victory comes as current Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) announced her gubernatorial run last November, leaving the seat open. With 90% of the estimated vote counted, Vindman secured 49.2% of the vote, leading by over 30 points against former Del. Elizabeth Guzman.

Trump, eyeing Virginia as a key battleground state, has a slight edge over President Joe Biden according to RealClearPolitics, which lists Virginia as a “Toss-Up” for the presidential race. Vindman’s opposition to Trump has been a central theme of his campaign, hinting at an intense showdown should both Trump and Vindman win in November.

Vindman’s candidacy initially met with skepticism from fellow Virginia Democrats, who criticized his relatively short residency in the area and his decision to run against women and minorities. These concerns were prominently discussed during an April candidate forum.

Despite these challenges, Vindman’s decisive primary victory was confirmed less than an hour after polls closed. His success marks a significant step in his political journey, with the potential to bring his outspoken stance against Trump to the national stage.

Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin is expected to play a supportive role for Republicans across Virginia, potentially bolstering Trump’s efforts in the state. Whether Vindman can leverage his primary success into a general election victory remains to be seen, but his campaign’s focus on opposing Trump promises a contentious and high-stakes race.