Republicans are celebrating their victory in the special election for Californa’s 25th Congressional district.
On Wednesday afternoon, Democrat Christy Smith conceded the election to Republican Mike Garcia who was running to fill the seat that was vacated by former Rep. Katie Hill (D) who resigned late last year.
In a statement, Smith said, “While it’s critical that we ensure every vote is counted and recorded, we believe that the current tally shows Mike Garcia is the likely victor in the May 12 special election. As such, I’d like to congratulate him.”
“That said, this is only one step in this process, and I look forward to having a vigorous debate about the issues in the upcoming November 2020 election,” Smith added.
https://www.facebook.com/ChristyForCongress/posts/2295033050790929
By Wednesday afternoon, Garcia was leading Smith by roughly 12-points. Although there were mail-in ballots that still had to be counted.
But by Wednesday morning, Republicans had essentially declared victory in the election. President Donald Trump tweeted, “Big Congressional win in California for Mike Garcia, taking back a seat from the Democrats.”
“This is the first time in many years that a California Dem seat has flipped back to a Republican,” he added.
Big Congressional win in California for Mike Garcia, taking back a seat from the Democrats. This is the first time in many years that a California Dem seat has flipped back to a Republican. Also, Tom Tiffany beat his Democrat rival BIG in Wisconsin. Two great Congressional WINS!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 13, 2020
Hill won the seat in 2018, and was the first Democrat to represent the district more than 20 years, but resigned after sexually explicit photos of her surfaced along with allegations that she had sexual relationships with staffers.
Garcia is the first Republican to flip a seat in California since 1998. He will serve in Congress till the end of the year and will have to run again in November for a full term.