(The Center Square) – Shortly after Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Georgia governor’s race, the state Republican Party said they will respect the will of the state’s voters.
The Republican losses started at the top of the ballot, with Bottoms defeating Republican Rick Jackson. Bottoms will be the first Black female governor in the country and the first Democrat to occupy Georgia’s governor’s mansion since Roy Barnes left office in January 2023.
The night began with Democrat U.S. Sen. Jon Ossoff winning another term by defeating Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Collins.
The losses were not just at the top of the ballot. Democrats took all statewide races.
- Republican state Sen. Greg Dolezal lost to his Senate colleague, Democrat Josh McLaurin. Current Lt. Gov. Burt Jones ran for governor.
- Republican state Sen. Brian Strickland lost to Democrat Tanya Miller. Attorney General Chris Carr ran for governor.
- Republican state Rep. Tim Fleming lost to Penny Brown Reynolds. Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger ran for governor.
- Incumbent Republican Insurance Commissioner John King lost to Democrat Keisha Waites.
- Incumbent Republican Barbara Rivera Holmes lost her post as state labor commissioner to Democrat Nikki Porcher.
- Incumbent Republican Tyler Harper lost to Democrat Katherine Juhan-Arnold.
- Democrat Peter Hubbard retained his seat on the Public Service Commission, staving off a challenge from former Republican Public Service Commissioner Fitz Johnson.
- Democrat Sheila Edwards defeated Republican Josh Tolbert. The wins give Democrats a majority on the commission.
“Tonight’s outcome is not what our candidates worked so hard to achieve. We respect the will of Georgia’s voters, and we hope those elected will serve all of Georgia,” the Republican Party of Georgia said in a social media statement. “Our next chapter begins with that responsibility. We will strengthen our local parties, welcome new voices, and develop leaders who understand that public service starts with showing up and listening.”
