Saccone concedes 18th Congressional special election to Lamb
Republican Rick Saccone conceded on March 21 a special congressional election in Pennsylvania’s 18th District to Democrat Conor Lamb, a week after the race took place.
Lamb defeated Saccone by 755 votes out of about 228,000 cast, in a stunning upset in the traditionally red district. President Donald Trump won by 20 percentage points in the 2016 election, and Democrats hadn’t run a candidate for the House seat in the last two elections.
The race received national attention, with Trump visiting Southwestern Pennsylvania to campaign for Saccone and Joe Biden campaigning for Lamb.
The GOP considered challenging election results; however, Lamb’s lead grew as absentee, military and provisional ballots were counted in the district’s four counties.
“This afternoon, I spoke to Mr. Lamb, conceding the race in the Pennsylvania 18th Congressional District and congratulating him on his victory,” Saccone said in a written concession. “While there are less than 800 votes separating us, the people of the 18th District deserve to have a voice representing them in Congress. I am honored and humbled to have worked with so many talented and committed supporters. Their tireless dedication to this campaign inspired and motivated me each and every day.”
Lamb, 33, succeeds Republican Tim Murphy, an eight-term congressman who resigned in disgrace in October amid a scandal.
In a March 21 tweet, Lamb confirmed Saccone conceded the race, and congratulated his opponent “for a close, hard-fought race & wish him the best.”
Lamb wrote he was “ready to be sworn in & get to work for the people of #PA18.”
Lamb’s term in Congress will last about 6 months. He has filed to run in Pennsylvania’s 17th district, which was redrawn under a new state district map.
Saccone said Tuesday he will run in the state’s 14th district.
“I remain resolute in defending the voices of Southwestern Pennsylvania voters,” he said in his statement.
Lamb’s win still must be certified by the state, which is expected to happen after Allegheny County certifies its results April 2.
Democrats, who are seeking to take back the majority in Congress in 2018, have said they think Lamb’s victory is a sign they can be competitive in traditionally red districts.