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By Kate Plummer
Senior US News Reporter
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Republicans won one but lost another special election Tuesday in what will be received as mixed news for U.S. President Donald Trump.
In Connecticut State House District 139, Democratic Party candidate Larry Pemberton beat Republican candidate Brandon Sabbag with 64.5 percent of the vote to Sabbag's 28.5 percent, with more than 95 percent of the votes were counted, according to the Associated Press (AP).
In Alabama State House District 63, Republican candidate Norman Crow, a Tuscaloo City Council member won with 64.5 percent of the vote share. His Democratic challenger, Judith Taylor, a retired college professor, won 35.5 percent of the vote, after 95 percent of the vote was counted, according to the AP.
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Why It Matters
While these elections were local and Trump was not on the ballot, elections that take place during a president's term in office are often used as a benchmark to judge the extent to which an administration commands broad support.
They are likely to be under extra scrutiny given voters head to the midterm elections in November, when the GOP is looking to protect its slim majority in both chambers of Congress. In October, Trump expressed concerns the party may perform poorly in the midterms, threatening his ability to pass key legislation through Congress. Traditionally, the party that does not hold the White House tends to do better in midterm elections. In 2018, Republicans lost the House and the Democrats gained 41 seats.
What To Know
Alabama broadly, and the county that the district falls within, is a Republican stronghold. In the 2024 presidential election, 59.5 percent of Tuscaloosa County voters voted for Trump while 39.2 percent opted for former vice president and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris.
Alabama District 63 is located in a southeastern portion of Tuscaloosa County. Crow's scale of victory shows the GOP slightly outperformed compared to the county's voting history in the 2024 election.
The election was called because the previous seat holder, Republican Cynthis Almond, was appointed to be the president of the Alabama Public Service Commission.
Meanwhile, in New London, Connecticut, three towns of which are in State House District 139, 70.6 percent of people voted for Harris and 27.4 percent voted for Trump.
The Connecticut election was called after former state representative Kevin Ryan, who was also a Democrat, died in November.
What People Are Saying
The Connecticut Democratic Party wrote on Facebook: "Congratulations to Larry Pemberton on his historic, massive win tonight! A member of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation, Rep-elect Pemberton will be the first Native American to serve in the CT Legislature."
Larry Pemberton wrote in a statement: "This election has been a whirlwind." He added: "I hope to be a voice for everyone in our district, whether you supported me or not."
Norman Crow told local news outlet Alabama Reflector**:** "It’s a very humbling thing. I’m very excited. I’m very grateful that the residents of district 63 have elected me as their representative and House District 63 and I’m looking forward to going to work for them."
What Happens Next
The midterm elections take place in November.
White House chief of staff Susie Wiles has said the GOP will put Trump on the campaign trail ahead of these elections.
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