Kemp Resigns As Sec. Of State, Names Governor's Transition Team

ATLANTA, GA -- Brian Kemp announced his official resignation Thursday morning as secretary of state as he prepares to become Georgia's 83rd governor. Kemp, who also announced members of his transition team, appeared in a joint news conference with outgoing Gov. Nathan Deal, while Kemp's opponent in the nationally watched race, Democrat Stacey Abrams, still has not conceded the race. Kemp declared victory late Wednesday afternoon while Abrams is still depending on uncounted ballots, including absentee ballots, to force a runoff or at least allow her to demand a recount.

Kemp touted a “clear and convincing victory” on Tuesday, and while Abrams continues to fight, Kemp said "the votes are not there for her" among the 25,000 outstanding absentee and provisional that still remain to be counted.

To replace Kemp, Deal appointed Robyn Crittenden, commissioner of the state Department of Human Services, to the post.

Votes from the last precincts were finally tallied in the Georgia election by mid-afternoon, giving Kemp a lead of about 65,000 votes over Abrams the race that was marred by voter complaints, long lines at some polls and technical problems.

With 100 percent of precincts reporting, Kemp held a 50.35 percent lead over Abrams' 48.71 percent, with Libertarian Ted Metz at 1 percent. Kemp has 1,972,278 votes, Abrams has 1,907,965 votes, according to unofficial election returns.

Georgia law requires a candidate to win 50 percent plus one to claim victory. Once all the votes are counted and certified, if neither Kemp or Abrams finishes with that margin, a runoff will be held Dec. 4. Georgia law also allows a candidate who loses an election by less than one percent to request a recount, which can only be requested after the state has officially certified an election's results. The results are scheduled to be certified next week

Normally, the deadline for counties to certify results is the Monday after the election, but they will now have until Tuesday, Nov. 13, because of the Veterans Day federal holiday that will be observed Monday, The Washington Post reports.

Kemp announced members of his transition team Thursday, and also announced he has resigned as secretary of state.

For his part, Deal has congratulated Kemp on his victory and Abrams on her campaign. "[Kemp] and his opponent both ran passionate campaigns with very different visions about how to keep Georgia on this path of prosperity, and I believe the voters of Georgia made the correct decision in electing Brian," Deal said. "When he takes office, Brian will have many opportunities to further the successes we’ve seen in Georgia over the last eight years – in business climate, education, criminal justice reform and much, much more. In the coming days, my office will work diligently with the incoming administration to ensure as smooth a transition as possible."

Results from Georgia's midterm elections continue to send shockwaves. On Thursday, Republican Karen Handel conceded in her reelection bid in metro Atlanta's 6th congressional district to first-time candidate Lucy McBath. Handel won the seat just over a year ago in what became the nation's most expensive congressional election in history over Democrat Jon Ossoff. Democrats launched a national campaign to "flip the 6th," a dream that became a a reality this week.

SEE ALSO:

• Handel Concedes 6th District Race, Congratulates McBath
• Kemp Claims Win In GA Governor’s Race; Abrams Doesn't Concede
• Gallery: Election Day In Georgia

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ATHENS, GA - NOVEMBER 06: Republican gubernatorial candidate Brian Kemp attends the Election Night event at the Classic Center on November 6, 2018 in Athens, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)