Media members constantly said Democrats hoping for a Jon Ossoff upset victory in Georgia's sixth congressional district considered the race a "referendum" on the turbulent presidency of Donald Trump.
After all, Trump's approval rating is at a record-low for someone at this early a period in their administration, and his agenda has been stalled while the Russia investigation continues to dominate Washington.
Yet, the referendum talk backfired after Republican Karen Handel defeated Ossoff by four percentage points in the most expensive U.S. House race in history. Despondent Democrats were frustrated over the flood of money that went into the fourth losing effort in a congressional race during the Trump presidency, and the president himself was jubilant in victory.
Congratulations to Karen Handel on her big win in Georgia 6th. Fantastic job, we are all very proud of you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2017
Well, the Special Elections are over and those that want to MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN are 5 and O! All the Fake News, all the money spent = 0
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 21, 2017
Both he and Vice President Mike Pence campaigned for Handel in the district, and the soon-to-be congresswoman thanked them both during her victory speech.
White House counselor Kellyanne Conway couldn't resist needling disappointed Democrats on Tuesday night, tweeting "thanks" to everyone who "breathlessly and snarkily" called the race a referendum on Trump.
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