Kemp Projected Winner; Abrams Concedes In 2022 GA Governor Election

GEORGIA — Republican Gov. Brian Kemp is the projected winner in the state's gubernatorial race, according to a projection by NBC News. Kemp's opponent, Democrat Stacey Abrams, conceded to him in a phone call shortly after 11 p.m., Channel 2 Action News reported.

Kemp and Abrams went head-to-head for the second time since 2018, with Abrams critically challenging Kemp and his policies, in the days leading up to Election Day. Kemp was ahead in the polls during early voting, according to RealClear Politics.

Georgians took advantage of early voting with a record more than 2.5 million people casting ballots before Election Day.

Below are the latest unofficial results as of 11:30 p.m. with 140 counties reporting:

Kemp: 1,914,576 votes (53.72%)

Abrams: 1,624,846 votes (45.59%)

Hazel: 24,689 votes (0.69%)

On Opposing Ends

Abrams, an author, former state legislator and tax attorney raised in DeKalb County, has been eyeing the governor’s seat since losing to Kemp in the 2018 general election by nearly 55,000 votes.

She based her platform on Medicaid expansion, voting reform, implementation of stronger gun safety laws and higher investments into education.

Abrams ran unopposed for the Democratic nomination in the primaries.

Meanwhile, Kemp, a businessman, former secretary of state and investor from Athens, made promises of combatting criminal street gangs, human trafficking, “own recognizance” bond reform and increasing school safety.

Kemp won the Republican nomination in the primaries.

Hazel, a Marine Corp. veteran and podcast host from Cherokee County, stood on the premise of legalizing cannabis, bringing nuclear power to Georgia, reforming the criminal justice system and repealing gun laws.

The trio found themselves at odds in an Oct. 17 debate hosted by the Atlanta Press Club, where they were asked about hot topics plaguing the state such as the right to abortion.

Kemp – who enacted the 2019 heartbeat law, which bans abortions after six weeks – was asked if he would push for tighter restrictions like supporting a statewide ban on the destruction of embryos or banning emergency contraceptives.

“No, I would not,” Kemp said. “ … That’s not my desire to do that. Georgians should know that my desire is to continue to help through 40-year high inflation and high gas prices and other things that our Georgia families are facing, right now.”

Abrams, who often sided with public opinion, was asked why she thought she was behind in the polls.

“The reason why people are on my side is because I’m on the right side of history, and on the right side of the issues,” she said. “ … I do not believe that I am behind. I believe that I am making the case for Georgia, the case for making me the next governor of this state.”

In the second round of the debate, when the candidates could ask each other questions, Kemp asked Hazel if he backed the Kemp administration’s tax cuts and gas tax suspensions implemented this year.

“Georgia, I hope you hear me when I say libertarians think taxation is theft,” Hazel said. “It’s your money. It’s your property. You should be able to determine what you do with it.”

Kemp and Hazel differed on the concept of cannabis legalization, with Kemp defending the large drug busts that have taken place since he’s been in office.

Abrams and Kemp re-hashed their 2018 gubernatorial election, back when Abrams called the election “rigged.” Kemp used the moment to tout record turnout among African-American voters both in 2018 and in the 2022 general primaries.

“In Georgia, it’s easy to vote and hard to cheat,” Kemp said.

Hazel voiced Abrams’ proposed voting policies would oppress third-party voters and would leave 60 percent of the state unrepresented.

Abrams and Kemp met on Oct. 30 for a second debate hosted by WSB-TV, Channel 2 Action News.

They tackled questions about the economy, affordable housing, crime, abortion and voting integrity.

Hazel did not participate in the second debate.