The next member of the Congressional Black Caucus

Edwards, a self-described "insurgent candidate" unseated her eight-term opponent who has represented Maryland's 4th Congressional District for nearly 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives.  Her election could indicate a growing anti-incumbent sentiment nationwide that could affect both parties in November.

She still has to run in the November general election, but as the Democratic nominee in the mostly Democratic district, Edwards is expected to win in the fall and become the first African American woman in Maryland's congressional delegation.  This was her second campaign against Wynn.  She ran unsuccessfully against him in 2006 and lost in a relatively close election.

"Today the voters went to the polls looking for change and new leadership that from now on will put the public interest first," said Edwards during a victory speech on Tuesday.  "Voters are looking for an advocate on the issues they care about and tonight their voice rang loud and clear. I am proud to say they found what they were looking for in me and this campaign, but this is only the beginning," she said.

Edwards ran a progressive campaign that challenged Wynn on his vote for the war in Iraq and his support for the Republican-sponsored bankruptcy bill, for tax cuts and for tax benefits for oil and gas companies. She had the support of severals unions, progressive groups, women's organizations, local elected officials and some celebrities.