Gary McCollum, who formerly ran Cox Communications's Virginia systems, has lost his bid for a Virginia (Seventh District)  State Senate seat.

He was defeated by Frank Wagner, who had 54.21% of the vote with 48 of 49 precincts reporting to McCollum's 45.55%, according to the Virginia Department of Elections.

It was a tough campaign, with McCollum accused by Republicans of misreporting his military service (he said it was an error and apologized) and catching heat for being on leave from Cox while drawing a salary, which his opponents said should have been declared by Cox as a campaign contribution.

A Cox spokesperson had told B&C/Multichannel News back in September that the company was in compliance with all campaign laws, then the Virginian-Pilot reported only days later that Cox said McCollum was no longer employed by the company.

Asked to confirm that McCollum had parted ways with Cox back in September, and whether he would be returning following his loss, Emma Inman, dirctor of public affairs for Cox Communications said, without elaboration:

"J.D. Myers, II is the interim SVP and Region Manager of Cox Communications Virginia. Gary McCollum no longer works for Cox."