The results are in, and Georgia's 6th District Congressional race will now officially see a runoff between Democrat John Ossoff and Republican former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel.
Viewed by many as an early 2018-indicator, the Georgia 6th Congressional District special election has brought in loads of national media coverage and cash from a normally low-profile race.
The best hope for the Democrats to win the Republican-leaning district was to have their candidate, Jon Ossoff, win today’s election outright, surpassing the 50% mark to achieve a majority, not a plurality of votes.
Because today’s special election did not have a primary in advance of the race, the candidates included 11 Republicans and 5 Democrats. The Democrats rallied around John Ossoff, while the Republicans were split between former Georgia Secretary of State Karen Handel, Businessman John Gray, and former State Senators Judson Hill and Dan Moody.
Today’s election results will come as a huge disappointment for Democrats, who have staked fundraising, endorsements, and man-hours on a race they hoped would be an early assessment of Trump’s presidency so far.
Even Hollywood got involved:
Vote tomorrow if you're in GA 6th! Let's #UndoTrump pic.twitter.com/nXSLJkKlVT
— George Takei (@GeorgeTakei) April 17, 2017
Special elections today in Georgia. Vote for @JonOssoff in Georgia. He's our man.
— Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) April 11, 2017
Actor Samuel L. Jackson also took to the radio waves to remind people to," “Vote for the Democratic Party. Stop Donald Trump, a man who encourages racial and religious discrimination and sexism.”
Donald Trump also Tweeted, encouraging Republican voters to force a runoff:
Republicans must get out today and VOTE in Georgia 6. Force runoff and easy win! Dem Ossoff will raise your taxes-very bad on crime & 2nd A.
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017
With eleven Republican candidates running in Georgia (on Tuesday) for Congress, a runoff will be a win. Vote "R" for lower taxes & safety!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 18, 2017
The run-off will take place on June 20th, 2017, and is expected to favor Republicans, as their 11-way race will consolidate to one candidate, in a traditionally- conservative district. Ironically, Jon Ossoff can't even vote for himself in the runoff, as CNS News reports that he doesn't even live in Georgia's 6th Congressional District.
UPDATE: Donald Trump has now weighed in on the special election results, calling them a "BIG R win."
Despite major outside money, FAKE media support and eleven Republican candidates, BIG "R" win with runoff in Georgia. Glad to be of help!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 19, 2017