Republican Bob Turner won former Rep. Anthony Weiner's (D-N.Y.) House seat on Tuesday, a bad sign for President Obama and down-ticket Democrats heading into next year’s election.
"This is an historic race. We've been asked by the people of this district to send a message to Washington and I hope they hear it loud and clear," said Turner to a packed room at his election party in Queens, reported CNN.
Turner slammed Obama's handling of the economy and his policies on Israel.
"We've been told this is a referendum and we're ready to say, Mr. President we are on the wrong track," he said.
Democrats have held Weiner’s district since 1923; it was Sen. Charles Schumer’s (D-N.Y.) seat before he ran for the Senate.
Obama will shoulder some blame for the loss, which comes at a pivotal time for the president as he pushes Congress to pass a jobs bill that will likely be a major part of his reelection campaign.
For more on the special election in New York, click here.
