Three races decided, one to run-off in Georgia special elections
December 7, 2011
By Tyler Millhouse
On Tuesday, Georgia held four special elections, two for the House of Representatives and two for the State Senate. Three of the special elections, House District 25 and Senate Districts 28 and 50, were runoff elections triggered by the special elections held on November 8 to replace recent political appointees. The fourth race, House District 68, was triggered by another appointment by Governor Nathan Deal (R). Notably, former Rep. Rick Austin (R), who resigned to seek the District 50 Senate seat, was defeated by fellow Republican John Wilkinson. Wilkinson is the Executive Secretary of the Georgia FFA.[1]
So far in 2011, 91 special elections have been held (runoffs excluded) and one more is scheduled. Political appointments are the primary reason for special elections--37.4% of this year's special elections were triggered by appointments. The complete results from Tuesday are as follows:
- Georgia House District 25, Runoff Election: Emory West Dunahoo, Jr. (R) defeated Bobby Banks (R) by a 1,580 (62.9%) to 931 (37.1%) margin. Dunahoo will replace James Mills (R) who resigned to accept an appointment to the state Pardons and Paroles board.[2]
- Georgia House District 68, Open Primary: Dustin Hightower (R) and Alan Martinez (R) were the top two vote-getters, receiving 41.8% and 21.3% of the vote, respectively. They will now proceed to a January 3 runoff election. The winner will replace Tim Bearden (R) who resigned to accept an appointment as Director of the Georgia Law Enforcement Training Center.[3]
- Georgia Senate District 28, Runoff Election: Mike Crane (R) defeated Duke Blackburn (R) by a 5,381 (60.4%) to 3,521 (39.6%) margin. Crane will replace Mitch Seabaugh (R) who resigned to accept an appointment to the position of deputy state treasurer.[4]
- Georgia Senate District 50, Runoff Election: John Wilkinson (R) defeated Rep. Rick Austin (R) by a 7,166 (58.6%) to 5,071 (41.4%) margin. Wilkinson will replace Jim Butterworth (R) who resigned to accept an appointment as Adjutant General of the Georgia National Guard.[5]
Partisan impact
Since both parties retained their seats in the decided elections and the runoff election will feature two Republicans, the partisan balance of Georgia's legislature will remain unchanged.
See also
|
Footnotes
- ↑ Online Athens, "Wilkinson wins Senate race marked by tricks," December 6, 2011
- ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Unofficial Results--District 25," accessed December 7, 2011
- ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Unofficial Results--District 68," accessed December 7, 2011
- ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Unofficial Results--District 28," accessed December 7, 2011
- ↑ Georgia Secretary of State, "Unofficial Results--District 50," accessed December 7, 2011
| |||||
.svg.png){kind=small}
