Democrats Win State House, Senate Seats In North Fulton

JOHNS CREEK, GA — State House and Senate Districts in North Fulton County have landed in the Democratic column, as candidates in closely-watched races appear to have defeated their Republican contenders to serve under the Gold Dome.

Unofficial results show Democratic candidates won races in the State House Districts 48, 50 and 51. Incumbent Republican Betty Price, who defeated former Roswell Mayor Jere Wood in the May 22 primary, was ousted from that seat by Democrat Mary Robichaux. The challenger leads with 11,056 votes to Price's 10,935 votes.

In the House District 50 race, former Johns Creek City Council member Kelly Stewart lost to Democrat Angelika Kausche in the race to fill this vacant seat. Kausche leads the race with a razor thin margin with 10,957 votes while Stewart has received 10,667 votes. Stewart shared a touching concession message to Kausche on the victor's Facebook page.

"There is a song I have been singing since last night: 'When God has another plan, walk on and just say yes, when God has another plan, be assured that He knows best'," she said. "God certainly knows what’s best and has chosen another plan for my life rather than serving Johns Creek in the State House. I want to wish you well in representing Johns Creek in the State House. You, your family, and supporters worked very hard. My best to you."

Kausche shared the post with her followers, adding she was touched by those "beautiful words" from her opponent.

"Kelly, it was an honor to share the stage with you, and I wish you and your family the very best," she said. "I know you will continue to serve our great city in many ways and I’m excited at the opportunity to work alongside you."

Democrats have also claimed victory in the House District 51 seat, which was also vacant. Josh McLaurin defeated Republican Alex Kaufman 12,460 to 11,740 votes.

In the State Senate District 6 race, incumbent Democrat Jen Jordan held on to fight off a challenge from Republican Leah Aldridge. Jordan has won the race with 46,349 votes while Aldridge has received 33,098.

"Today, [I'm] still overwhelmed and humbled by our decisive victory," Jordan said to her Facebook followers. "Huge thank you from me and awesome #TeamJen led by the amazing Chloe Bowman! Your time, encouragement, and support meant everything. I promise you that we will continue to work every day for the people of Senate District 6 and this state."

A few Republicans did hold on to their seats in their bids to return to the Gold Dome, however. Kay Kilpatrick fought off a bid from Christine Triesbsch, a Democrat, to keep the Senate District 32 seat. Kilpatrick won the battle with 52,754 votes while Triesbsch garnered 39,125 votes. Jan Jones, who represents House District 47, and Chuck Martin of House District 49, will both return as state legislators.

Jones won her race against Democrat Andrea Nugent 16,697 to 10,367 votes while Martin held on to win with 13,295 votes to Democratic challenger Krishan Bralley's 11,208 votes. House District 45 Republican incumbent Matt Dollar was also victorious against Democrat Essence Johnson. Dollar received 16,974 votes while Johnson got 11,643 votes.

A little to the south in the House District 52 race, incumbent Republican Deborah Silcox will also return for a two-year term, as she defeated Democrat Shea Roberts. Silcox has 13,978 votes compared to Roberts' 12,733 votes.

Incumbent Republicans in Senate District 40 and House District 80 appear to have also lost their re-election bids. Incumbent Senator Fran Millar suffered an upset by Democrat Sally Harrell in his re-election battle for the 40th District.

Harrell has 40,719 votes to Millar's 33,696 votes. Meagan Hanson, the incumbent Republican, also lost to Democratic challenger Matthew Wilson in her quest for another two-year term in the 80th District. Wilson has 12,484 votes to Hanson's 11,312 votes. Hanson said it has been her pleasure to represent House District 80.

"I hope you know that I worked extremely hard for you, and we accomplished much together in a short time," she added. "I am thankful for the overwhelming passage of the Brunch Bill, but I am disappointed that the hate crime legislation I championed will likely be stalled for quite some time. Thank you for your confidence and support over the last two years."

Democrat Lucy McBath is declaring victory in her challenge of U.S. Rep. Karen Handel in the 6th Congressional District race. Unofficial results show McBath leading with 159,268 votes to Rep. Karen Handel's 156,396 votes with 100 percent of the precincts reporting. The 6th Congressional District includes all of North Fulton County and parts of DeKalb and Cobb counties.

Incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Barry Loudermilk cruised to victory in his re-election bid in the 11th Congressional District. With 100 percent of precincts reporting in the district, Loudermilk leads Democrat Flynn Broady with 191,529 votes while the Democrat received 118,053 votes. The 11th Congressional District includes Bartow and Cherokee counties and parts of Cobb and North Fulton counties.

Of course, the race for governor between Democrat Stacey Abrams and Republican Brian Kemp remains too close to call. The SOS site shows one county — DeKalb — is still partially reporting their results. Kemp is holding on with 50 percent, or 1,967,523 votes to Abrams' 49 percent, or 1,899,564 votes. Libertarian Ted Metz is polling at .9 percent, or 36,881 votes.

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