President Trump congratulated Democrat Doug Jones for winning the U.S. Senate special election in Alabama against Republican candidate Roy Moore.

“Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory. The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time. It never ends!”

Congratulations to Doug Jones on a hard fought victory. The write-in votes played a very big factor, but a win is a win. The people of Alabama are great, and the Republicans will have another shot at this seat in a very short period of time. It never ends! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 13, 2017



Jones appeared to get a significant boost by attracting undecided voters to cast their ballot for him. Moore was battling several allegations of sexual misconduct with teenagers decades ago; he repeatedly denied the allegations and resisted pressure from top Republicans, including Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, to drop out of the race.

Moore remained defiant Tuesday night, announcing at his election night rally that he will not concede the contest and floated a possible recount.

He found defenders in former White House chief strategist Steve Bannon and Trump, who officially endorsed him last week, but their support proved to be insufficient.

Jones was projected to defeat Moore to fill the Alabama Senate seat previously held by Attorney General Jeff Sessions for the remainder of his term until Jan. 2021. Luther Strange, who ran against Moore in the primary, has filled the seat in the interim.