Rubio won vote-rich Fairfax County, outside of Washington, and the Richmond suburbs of Chesterfield and Henrico counties — all fast-growing jurisdictions with large numbers of affluent, well-educated voters and where Democrats have swept in recent years or have been increasingly competitive.

Trump’s victory in Virginia may be viewed beyond its borders as evidence of the once-improbable: that he can appeal to voters in what is a must-win state for both parties. Plus, his strong finish is a repudiation of the Republican elective and business class, many of whose members preferred more conventional candidates. They must now decide whether to fall in with Trump as the likelihood of his nomination increases.

Trump won with only a smattering of support from Republican leaders. The few who publicly backed him, including former Rep. Virgil Goode, R-5th, and Corey Stewart, chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors, were largely drawn by Trump’s hard line against illegal immigration — a founding theme of his candidacy.