Trump attacks press for being ‘silent’ on GOP win in Arizona

President Trump on Wednesday congratulated Debbie Lesko (R) for winning a special election in Arizona on Tuesday, accusing the national media of being “silent” on the race.

In an early-morning tweet, the president congratulated Lesko on her “big win” over Hiral Tipirneni (D), who had not yet conceded the race as of Wednesday morning.

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“Congratulations to Republican Debbie Lesko on her big win in the Special Election for Arizona House seat. Debbie will do a Great Job! Press is so silent,” Trump tweeted.

Congratulations to Republican Debbie Lesko on her big win in the Special Election for Arizona House seat. Debbie will do a Great Job! Press is so silent.

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 25, 2018

Lesko held a 5.2 percentage point lead at the time of Trump’s tweet, winning the district vacated when Trent Franks (R) resigned in December. Lesko was largely expected to win in a district that Trump won by 21 points over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in the 2016 presidential election.

Franks did not even face a Democratic challenger in 2016.

Despite the loss, Democrats and political observers were quick to suggest the close margin should be a warning for Republicans in November as they navigate much tougher House races.

Retiring House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) touted Lesko’s victory, however, saying it proved that Republicans had a strong message to run on in the November midterm elections.

“Her victory proves that Republicans have a positive record to run on this fall and we need to spend the next seven months aggressively selling our message to the American people,” he said.