Tuesday’s Run-off Elections in Georgia

GA-Senate Former Dollar General CEO David Perdue came from behind to defeat Rep. Jack Kingston in the U.S. Senate Republican run-off to score what most believe was an upset win for the GOP nomination.  He now faces Democratic nominee Michelle Nunn, who won her own primary back in May.  With just over 480,000 people voting in the run-off contest, Perdue captured 51 percent of the vote. GA-1 Mr. Kingston's open congressional seat was also the subject of a Republican run-off contest.  Scoring a 54-46 percent win with just over 42,000 votes cast is state Sen. Buddy Carter, who finished first in the primary election.  Often times when first place finishers don't clinch the nomination on the first vote, the second place qualifier unites the top candidate's opponents.  In this contest, Carter actually gained strength and was able to pull away from Tea Party-supported Bob Johnson. GA-10 In the seat Rep. Paul Broun is vacating for his unsuccessful Senate run, pastor, radio talk show host, and former congressional candidate Jody Hice scored a 54-46 percent victory over businessman Mike Collins, the son of former Rep. Mac Collins, with just under 50,000 votes cast.  There is little doubt that Mr. Hice will join the Tea Party caucus within the Republican conference.  Attorney Ken Dious won the Democratic nomination back in May, but he will be a heavy underdog to Hice in this midterm election. GA-11 The least surprising finish last night came in the northwestern Georgia district, the seat Rep. Gingrey relinquished in order to launch his unsuccessful Senatorial bid.  With former Rep. Bob Barr only scoring 26 percent in the primary election despite universal name identification, the run-off campaign was a mere formality. With more than 51,000 people voting in the GOP secondary election, state Sen. Barry Loudermilk easily defeated Mr. Barr, 66-34 percent.  Loudermilk gained key conservative support and was able to isolate Barr on the libertarian wing of the party.  Because no Democrat or Independent filed to run, the new GOP nominee is now unopposed in the general election. For more information, please contact David Ashinoff at (202) 547-5013 or ashonoffd@agc.org.