Editor’s Note: Click here for updated election results.
After multiple blunders at polling sites across South Fulton, the entire metro Atlanta area, and throughout the state, unofficial election results are trickling in. For many of the races, voters will likely have to return to the polls on August 11 for a runoff.
Congressional Seat Battles
With 89.19 percent of precincts reporting, District 5 U.S. Congressman John Lewis secured his seat with 84.77 percent of the vote. He’ll face Republican Angela Stanton-King in November.
With 86.67 percent of precincts reporting, District 13 U.S. Congressman David Scott led with 44.80 percent of the vote, while Keisha Sean Waites followed with 34.80 percent, prompting a runoff. The winner of that race will face Republican Becky Hites in November.
In the high profile U.S. Senate race, Jon Ossof has claimed 55.09 percent of the votes with 91.26 percent of precincts reporting. He’ll face David Perdue in November.
State Representatives and Senators
South Fulton voters won’t see much change at the state level, as many of the incumbents went unchallenged. With 95.65 percent of precincts reporting, Rep. Marie Metze (D-55) cruised ahead of challenger Fred Quinn, Jr. with 57.79 percent of the votes. With 81.25 percent of precincts reporting, Rep. Debra Bazemore (D-63) has 66.18 percent of the votes over Democratic challenger Kenneth Kincaid. The lone Republican vying for the seat, David Callahan, received only 35 votes.
With 75 percent of precincts reporting, Rep. Sharon Beasley-Teague (D-65) leads with 46.59 percent of the votes. Mandisha A. Thomas, who’s facing the longtime incumbent for the second time, follows with 39.81 percent of the votes. Newcomer Amber Doss-Hunter is bringing up the rear with 13.60 percent of the votes.
With 93.33 percent of precincts reporting, Sen. Donzella James (D-35) earned 60 percent of the vote, over challengers Karen Ashley and Kelly Johnson. Longtime incumbent Sen. Horacena Tate (D-38) will face Tania Robinson in a runoff. With 96.83 percent of precincts reporting, Tate snagged 45 percent of the votes. Sen. Nikema Williams (D-39) will hold onto her seat. With 84.15 percent of precincts reporting, she’s grabbed 74 percent of the votes over Linda Pritchett.
Fulton County Showdowns
With 90 percent of precincts reporting, Khadijah Abdur-Rahman has claimed 64.38 percent of the votes in the race against District 6 Commissioner Joe Carn. Bizarrely, if Abdur-Rahman is declared the victor, not a single commissioner will reside in the eight cities that comprise South Fulton County.
In the race for Fulton County District Attorney, incumbent Paul Howard will head to a runoff with South Fulton resident Fani Willis. With 91.26 percent of precincts reporting, Wills grabbed 40.50 percent of the votes, while Howard followed with 33.80 percent.
Superior Court Judge candidates Melynee Leftridge Harris and Tamika Hrobowski-Houston will face each other in a runoff as well. With 91.26 percent of precincts reporting, Hrobowski-Houston has 40.63 percent of the votes, while Harris has 28.52 percent.
Superior Court Judge candidate Shermela Williams and Probate Judge candidate Kenya Johnson performed strong in their respective races. Williams earned 56.43 percent of the votes against Rebecca Rieder, with 91.26 percent of precincts reporting. Johnson took 65.90 percent of the vote in a three-way contest.
The race between former South Fulton Municipal Court Judge Tiffany Sellers and Racehlle Carnesale is too close to call. With 91.26 percent of precincts reporting, Carensale has 50.86 percent of the votes.
In the race for Fulton County Sheriff, with 91.26 percent of precincts reporting, incumbent Theodore “Ted” Jackson claimed 39.69 percent of the vote, while Patrick “Pat” Labat followed with 22.98 percent. They’ll be on the ballot again in August.
In the race for Fulton County School Board, voters will have to narrow down the District 4 candidates again in August. Franchesca Warren earned 36.97 percent of the votes, closely followed by Sandra Wright with 36.32 percent.
Yesterday, some voters waited hours in line to cast their ballots. Many reported technical difficulties, among other issues. Several elected officials, civic groups and other organizations have issued statements to express their outrage. The NAACP is planning a demonstration.
Photos: Kenya Johnson, Shermela Williams