Eric Cantor, No. 2 House Republican, loses primary in big upset

    
                       Eric Cantor's loss caught Washington watchers completely off-guard.

(CNN) -- In what's being called a political "earthquake," the No. 2 Republican in the House, Eric Cantor, lost his primary on Tuesday to a college professor and tea party neophyte.

Cantor conceded the race with 99% of precincts reporting from the Richmond-area district showing him trailing Dave Brat 56% to 44%, according to the Virginia Secretary of State's website. Turnout was low.

"Obviously we came up short," Cantor said in his concession speech.

"It's disappointing sure but I believe in this country. I believe there is opportunity around the next corner for all of us," said Cantor, whose loss is all the more shocking because he's considered very conservative.
Eric Cantor\'s loss caught Washington watchers completely off-guard.
Eric Cantor's loss caught Washington watchers completely off-guard.
Dave Brat was vastly outspent in the Virginia primary but came out on top.
Dave Brat was vastly outspent in the Virginia primary but came out on top.
Cantor failed to 'pay attention at home'

In a statement following Cantor's defeat, House Speaker John Boehner called the No. 2 Republican "a good friend and a great leader."

In his victory speech, Brat struck a populist tone.

"Dollars do not vote, you do," he said. "When I go to D.C., every vote I take will move the pendulum in the direction of the people, away from Washington, D.C.; back to the states; back to the localities; and back to you."

Mark Preston, CNN's executive political editor, said the defeat would have national implications since Cantor has been viewed as ambitious and a potential speaker.

"This came out of nowhere," Preston said.

CNN Political Analyst David Gergen called it an "earthquake" that would "send shock waves through the Republican ranks."