The Democratic candidate in a special election didn't get enough votes to capture a Republican congressional seat.

That district had been held by former Congressman Tom Price who is now the secretary of Health and Human Services.

Now the race is headed for a runoff, and Republicans will be favored to win.

Both parties see the race as a test, an early indicator of what lies ahead in the 2018 congressional mid-term elections so Democrats have been trying to make it a referendum on the president.

Democratic candidate Jon Ossoff told voters in a TV ad, "When President Trump embarrasses our country or acts recklessly, I'll hold him accountable."

Ossoff was up against 11 Republican candidates Tuesday night but failed to get the necessary 50 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff election.

That pits him against the other top vote-getter, Karen Handel, in June. Ossoff is a former congressional staffer and Handel is a former Georgia secretary of state.

She's also a former executive for the Susan G. Komen Foundation that fights breast cancer, and she took political heat in 2012 for a decision to stop funding Planned Parenthood.

"This was a premeditated, orchestrated attack on a breast cancer organization," Handel said.

She told CBN News that Komen was looking for neutral ground, and noticed that Planned Parenthood didn't perform mammograms, but merely referred them out.

Last night, Handel told a Georgia crowd that she'll fight for their values, including those on health care. And she clearly tied her opponent to the national Democratic Party.

"It's a choice between the views and values of a proven, independent and conservative leader who has delivered for the people of this district and this state or a Democrat who Nancy Pelosi hopes is going to deliver for her," Handel said.

Ossoff will no doubt try to capitalize on anti-Trump energy among Democrats while appealing to moderate Republicans in the conservative district.

"Let's show what people power is all about," Ossoff said.

But the president himself is clearly up for the fight, tweeting overnight about a "big R win" and saying "glad to be of help."

CBN News

To receive daily emails from Breaking Christian News to your inbox CLICK HERE

Evidence Young People Are Turning to Christianity Isn’t Anecdotal; It’s Real

100 Missionaries Deploy to 10/40 Window amid Increasing Reports of Visions of 'The Man in White'

WATCH: Millionaire Tax Critic Says AGO, Dems Played Politics Instead of Protecting Residents

Total Victory: Florida Congressional Maps Are Now Official

Trump, Hegseth Praise US Performance in Iran as Congress Pushes Back; Israel Appalled at London Attack on Jews

Ex-Muslim Flees Iran, Says Jesus Appeared in Dreams to Family Members

May Day Protests are Coming. Urgent Prayers Needed!

Anthony Fauci's Former Senior Adviser Indicted for Role in COVID Cover-up

King Charles III Gifts President a Bell from Hms Trump at White House State Dinner Reinforcing US-UK Bonds

Feds Raid More Than 20 Sites in Minneapolis Fraud Probe

This is a Spiritual Battle over America; Take Your Place Praising God, Our Worship is Warfare!

#1 NFL Draft Pick Praises God: 'I Just Can't Thank Him Enough'

UK Pastor Prosecuted for Preaching John 3:16 Anxiously Awaiting Judge's Ruling

Renowned Bible Teacher and Evangelist Marilyn Hickey Passes On to Eternity

Oz Pearlman Reveals What Was Written on Card Shown to President Trump during WH Correspondents' Shooting

After the Shooting, Democrat Senator Fetterman Backs the White House Ballroom Renovation

Blockade Effect: Iran's Regime Has DAYS Until This Crisis Hits

Kenya Court Overturns 'Constitutional Right' to Abortion in Pro-Life Victory

Give Him 15: 'It's Time to Tip the Scale'

Surprising Bible Find Sparks Big 'Opportunity' For the Church