RICHMOND - Democratic Party of Virginia Chairwoman Susan Swecker released the following statement on the Virginia primary results:

“I’d like to congratulate Hillary Clinton on her victory in Virginia, and commend Bernie Sanders on his spirited campaign in the Commonwealth. I’d also like to extend my warmest appreciation to our Democratic family throughout the Commonwealth who organized events, knocked on doors, and made phone calls leading up to Super Tuesday.

“Hillary Clinton exemplifies leadership and has shown Virginians that she can and will build upon President Obama’s successes and move America forward. She presented Virginians real plans with real solutions, to real challenges facing our nation, and they overwhelmingly agreed with her approach and her vision. She’ll fight for the middle class, she’ll fight for Americans at home and through diplomacy abroad, and she’s the best candidate to help all Virginians and Americans reach their full potential.

"Virginians stood with Hillary because she stands with us.

“Donald Trump’s victory in Virginia illustrates the extent to which the Republican Party has pandered to extremists. The Republican Party can’t run from Trump because they created him and allowed him to flourish. It’s clearer than ever that Trump defines the Republican Party in 2016, just like tax cuts for the wealthy, obstructionism, and hateful rhetoric. Marco Rubio is just as extreme as the Republican front-runner, but Washington has faithfully molded him to disguise it.

“It’s obvious that Democrats are the only viable choice in November."