Mar 14, 2018 - Politics & Policy

Tight Pennsylvania race signals blue wave rising

Mike Allen

Democrat Conor Lamb claimed victory against Republican candidate Rick Saccone, but many news outlets report the race as too close to call. Photo: Drew Angerer / Getty Images

NBC News declares Democrat Conor Lamb the apparent winner in a special U.S. House election in western Pennsylvania, the heart of Trump country, a blow to the White House and the Republican Party.

Why it matters: Regardless of the ultimate winner, it was a humiliating and sobering night for the GOP. This a district President Trump won by 20 points. The Democratic energy and Republican depression signal a brutal midterm season and the increasingly likely return of Speaker Pelosi.

A recount is possible, and AP says the race is still too close to call.
Lamb, a Marine veteran, claimed victory over Republican Rick Saccone, telling exuberant supporters after midnight: "Mission accepted."
Fox News politics editor Chris Stirewalt: "It's more than a ripple. It might be a wave."
CNN's Dana Bash says this result may lead to more Republican retirements from Congress, as lawmakers realize the strength of this year's headwinds.

Be smart: In race after race, Democrats are consistently topping their performance in previous elections (often by double-digit margins), the surest sign of sustained momentum and a possible November wave.

Go deeper: Republicans fear the House is slipping away fast.

Add Axios on Google

Tight Pennsylvania race signals blue wave rising

What to read next