HONOLULU -- Reactions rolled in quickly as it became clear Saturday that Hawaii would be sending a rare Republican to Congress. Charles Djou defeated Democrats Colleen Hanabusa and Ed Case in a race to fill the seat of Democrat Neil Abercrombie, who stepped down to run for governor.

Djou will have to run again to keep the seat in November, and Case and Hanabusa vowed to keep their bids for the seat alive. Djou will serve in the seat until noon on Jan. 3, 2011 unless he is re-elected. He is the party's likely nominee for the Nov. 2 general election.

In the bigger picture, the National Republican Party is already claiming Djou's victory as a part of a GOP revolution -- and more big wins in the fall.

Republican National Committee chairman Michael Steele said, "Charles' victory is evidence his conservative message of lowering the tax burden, job creation and government accountability knows no party lines. Charles Djou is the type of candidate and ran the type of campaign that will help lead us to historic gains this November."

The win is also creating new hope among Hawaii Republicans. The party struggles with a small minority in the Legislature, and until Saturday, no seats in Congress. Now they hope Djou's victory will get voters more willing to choose Republicans and inspire more candidates to run in the GOP.

"It's always the role model, the coattails, the enthusiasm. The philosophy of the wind to our back has just increased tonight," said state Rep. Gene Ward, a Republican from Hawaii Kai.

"We are looking at building from this momentum, building up our campaign, going into November," Hawaii GOP Chairman Jonah Kaauwai said.

Local Republicans said voters are disappointed with Democrats because of the weak economy.

U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye, one of Hawaii's two Democratic senators and the major supporter of Hanabusa, had a muted response to Djou's victory.

"I wish to congratulate Congressman Djou on his victory and will welcome him to Washington. However, this race is not over until November, and Colleen and her supporters must continue their hard work through the summer."

Reaction to Djou's win on the street was mixed. Some residents were disappointed a Democratic candidate did not win, while others were optimistic this change could be good for Hawaii.

"In the early polls, Case was second and a strong second. I really did think Case would be able to make the case, and I'm disappointed. I think Case would have been the best person," said Kaneohe resident Jody Moore.

Honolulu resident Keith Lee said, "I thought all three candidates were terrific. They all would have represented Hawaii wonderfully. Djou presents a young and vibrant voice. He will do a fine job. I'm happy."

Kapolei resident Eric England had a wait-and-see attitude.

"Let's give it a chance. Let's see if it gets better, if it changes. Then we're happy. Anytime things change for the better, we're happy. If he's there for the people of Hawaii, we're happy," he said.

Abercrombie said, "I congratulate Mr. Djou. Serving in the United States House of Representatives, for whatever period of time, is a great honor and an even greater responsibility."

However, he also said, "The people of Hawaii need a representative who will support President Obama's agenda and who will not cancel Hawaii's other vote in the U.S. House."

U.S. Rep. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, spoke with Djou on the phone Saturday night.

In a statement, she told KITV4 she said she wanted to congratulate Congressman-elect Djou.

"Apart from political differences, I look forward to collaborating with Charles to ensure the needs of the people of Hawaii are met and their voices heard in Congress," Hirono said.