White House counselor Kellyanne Conway spiked the football Tuesday over the Republican victory in the Georgia sixth district special election, saying those who "snarkily" called it a "referendum" on President Donald Trump were right.
Karen Handel defeated Democrat Jon Ossoff in the most expensive U.S. House race in history to keep the seat in GOP hands. Democrats hoped for an Ossoff win as an indicator of broader national discontent with the Trump administration, but they remained winless in special House races in 2017.
"Thanks to everyone who breathlessly and snarkily proclaimed #GA06 as a 'referendum on POTUS @realdonaldtrump'. You were right. #winning," Conway wrote.
Thanks to everyone who breathlessly and snarkily proclaimed #GA06 as a "referendum on POTUS @realDonaldTrump".
You were right. #winning
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) June 21, 2017
Ossoff led in some polls in the weeks leading up to the race, but Handel ran up the tally in Fulton and Cobb Counties to earn a four-point victory. She wound up out-performing Trump's percentage margin of victory over Hillary Clinton in the district from November.
Conway made a joke out of Ossoff's last name as well in celebrating the win.
Laughing my #Ossoff
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) June 21, 2017
.@karenhandel thanks for standing strong, for running on issues, for being a grownup and for living in the district.
Welcome to Congress. https://t.co/NOcZIHOKwW
— Kellyanne Conway (@KellyannePolls) June 21, 2017
The race was important to Trump, who endorsed Handel and frequently tweeted about the campaign. Both he and Vice President Mike Pence visited the district to campaign with Handel.
Trump tweeted out congratulations to Handel on her win shortly after it was confirmed. He also taunted Democrats for their lack of electoral success since he took office.
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/877355739383287808?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=http%3A%2F%2Ffreebeacon.com%2Fpolitics%2F6th-district-defends-wall-jon-ossoff-invasion-fails%2F
https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/877372660455546880
UPDATED: 7:05 A.M.: This article was updated with an additional Trump tweet about the race.