I don't think it's a clear rebuke of Trump when only 17% of the voting population participated. If anything, it's a clear sign that if you can get more people out to vote for you in an off cycle, special election, which probably received little publicity, then you'll probably win.
Had turn out been higher, I would be willing to bet that it wouldn't have turned out as a win for the Democrats.
I don't think it's a clear rebuke of Trump when only 17% of the voting population participated. If anything, it's a clear sign that if you can get more people out to vote for you in an off cycle, special election, which probably received little publicity, then you'll probably win.
Had turn out been higher, I would be willing to bet that it wouldn't have turned out as a win for the Democrats.
That all said, I'm glad Ramirez won.
Edit: Fixed a typo