Ellzey beat fellow Republican Susan Wright, the widow of former Rep. Ron Wright, 53 percent to 47 percent, when the Associated Press called the low-turnout, Republican-vs.-Republican runoff. Though Ellzey was better funded, Wright leaned heavily on her backing from the former president, who often plays kingmaker in Republican primaries.

Trump crashed into the race during the first round of voting in May, tapping Wright out of a crowded all-party primary and turning the contest into an early test of his post-presidency clout. He held two tele-town halls for her and taped a robocall for her, making the loss more painful…

It’s possible Ellzey benefited from Democratic voters who participated in the runoff to rebuff Trump. Though the runoff was between two Republican candidates, it was a special election open to all voters in the district.

One outcome that was certain regardless of which Republican won: Speaker Nancy Pelosi will have just three votes to spare on any bill once Ellzey is sworn in.