Republican Kansas State Treasurer Ron Estes defeated Democrat James Thompson and Libertarian Chris Rockhold Tuesday night to keep the state’s 4th congressional district in GOP hands.
Estes won the special election race to replace former Rep. Mike Pompeo, who took over as CIA director in January. His margin of victory was just 6.8 points.
In recent days, Estes was buoyed by support from high-profile Republicans in a last-minute push. President Trump and Vice President Pence both recorded robocalls on Estes’ behalf, while Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, campaigned with the GOP nominee at a rally on Monday. Cruz is popular among state Republicans and won the Kansas caucuses last March.
Trump also sent out a tweet calling on supporters to back Estes in the Tuesday election.
“Ron Estes is running TODAY for Congress in the Great State of Kansas. A wonderful guy, I need his help on Healthcare & Tax Cuts (Reform),” Trump said.
Ron Estes is running TODAY for Congress in the Great State of Kansas. A wonderful guy, I need his help on Healthcare & Tax Cuts (Reform).
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 11, 2017
In addition, the National Republican Congressional Committee spent $100,000 in on Estes’ behalf. Speaker Paul Ryan also sent out a fundraising email in support of Estes’ campaign.
Despite the push from Democrats, Republicans were expected to hold the seat. The district supported Trump by 27 points over Hillary Clinton in November and Republicans have held the seat since they regained the House majority in 1994.
The race is the first in a handful of House special elections Democrats are making a play in. Democrats are investing heavily in next Tuesday’s special election, where Jon Ossoff is looking to clear the 50 percent threshold and avoid a runoff against a Republican opponent. The winner would replace Health and Human Services Secretary Tom Price. The seat, which former Speaker Newt Gingrich also held, has been in Republican control for 37 years.
Overall, there are five special elections slated through the end of June. Along with the Kansas and Georgia contests, elections are also upcoming to replace former Reps. Xavier Becerra in California’s 34th District (April 4), Mick Mulvaney in South Carolina 5th District (May 2), and Ryan Zinke for Montana’s at-large seat (May 25).
