Thomson Reuters
U.S. President Trump walks to Marine One before departing for Wisconsin from the South Lawn of the White House in Washington
President Donald Trump slammed "failing" Democrats for falling short of securing a congressional seat in the most high-profile special election to date of Trump's presidency."Dems failed in Kansas and are now failing in Georgia," Trump tweeted Wednesday morning. "Great job Karen Handel! It is now Hollywood vs. Georgia on June 20th."
Republicans have held the seat in Georgia's 6th congressional district for the past 40 years, but Democrats came close to nabbing it on Tuesday. John Ossoff, the Democratic candidate, won about 48% of the vote, while Karen Handel, his closest Republican challenger, secured roughly 20% in a more crowded GOP field. If Ossoff had won 50% of the vote of more, he would have secured the seat outright.
Ossoff and Handel will now compete in a runoff set for June 20. The election is being held to fill the seat previously held by Tom Price, who is now the health and human services secretary.
Special elections will hold particular importance for Democrats this year as Republicans currently control both the House and Senate. Democrats are also looking to build momentum heading into next year's midterm elections.
Liberal celebrities poured money into Ossoff's campaign in hopes of dealing a blow to Republicans during Trump's first 100 days in office. Trump also commented on the Hollywood angle in a tweet after the election Tuesday night.
"Despite major outside money, FAKE media support & eleven Republican candidates, BIG 'R' win with runoff in Georgia. Glad to be of help!," Trump tweeted Tuesday.