'Total disarray' and 'Democrats lose again': Republicans celebrate Karen Handel's win in Georgia special election

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Karen Handel

AP Photo/David Goldman

Karen Handel

Republican Party luminaries congratulated Karen Handel on her win in the closely-watched special election in Georgia's 6th Congressional District on Tuesday night.

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"Congrats to Karen Handel on HUGE win in GA," read a message from President Donald Trump's campaign. "Democrats lose again (0-4). Total disarray."

Trump and Vice President Mike Pence released separate statements congratulating Handel:

Trump said: "Congratulations to Karen Handel on her big win in Georgia 6th. Fantastic job, we are all very proud of you!"

And Pence chimed in: "Congrats Karen Handel! Great campaign & great victory! With @realDonaldTrump in the White House & you in Congress, we will #MAGA!"

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Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan added: "Congratulations to Karen Handel on a hard-earned and well-deserved victory. Democrats from coast to coast threw everything they had at this race, and Karen would not be defeated."

Kellyanne Conway, former Trump campaign manager and current White House counselor wrote on Twitter: "Laughing my #Ossoff."

Polls closed Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. ET after a record-high early-vote turnout, and strategists say it is likely Tuesday's turnout will surpass previous records as well.

The race pitted 30-year-old Democrat and political neophyte Jon Ossoff against Handel, who is Georgia's former Secretary of State.

Georgia's special election was billed as a potential referendum on President Donald Trump, who heavily endorsed Handel's candidacy.

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Sonam Sheth contributed to this report.

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