GOP posts runoff wins for secretary of state, PSC

ATLANTA — Republican candidates for secretary of state and the Public Service Commission’s District 3 won key victories over their Democratic opponents in Tuesday’s runoff election.

With nearly 100 percent of the precincts across the state reporting, Republican state Rep. Brad Raffensperger of Johns Creek led former congressman John Barrow, the Democratic nominee, by a margin of 52 to 48 percent in unofficial results. There were 64,034 votes separating them at that time.

In the Public Service Commissioner race, the Republican incumbent, Chuck Eaton, led his Democratic opponent, Lindy Miller, by a similar margin of 52 to 48 percent. That’s a difference of 59,735 votes.

“I just want every Georgian to know I’m going to be fighting for them,” Raffensperger told supporters just after 10 p.m. election night. “I’m going to make sure elections are clean, fair and accurate, and that’s the No. 1 priority as your next secretary of state. I’m very humbled; I’m very honored to have won this race tonight.”

Results from the runoff will not be official until they are certified by the secretary of state’s office.

Barrow conceded the race on Wednesday.

“I want to thank you for helping me in my campaign for secretary of state — in the primary election, the general election, and in yesterday’s runoff,” Barrow said in a statement Wednesday. “As of late last night, it was unclear how many outstanding absentee ballots had been included in yesterday’s count, and how many had not yet been received and therefore not yet counted. But it was clear that the number of uncounted absentee ballots was greater than the margin of difference.

“It now appears that the number of uncounted absentee ballots is still greater than the margin of difference, but is so small that there is very little chance of their affecting the outcome. I have therefore extended my congratulations to Brad Raffensperger on his victory. He’ll be our secretary of state, and I wish him every success. Though the outcome was not what we had wanted, what we’re working for is more important than ever: elections that are as fair and as accurate as they are secure. In these polarized times, that may seem like a never-ending struggle, but it’s a struggle that’s always worth the fight.”

Miller also conceded the PSC race late on Wednesday.

“Yesterday, almost 1.5 million Georgians came out to cast their ballots for a third time this election season,” she said in a news release. “Despite what the pundits predicted, we saw unprecedented, historic turnout for a runoff election. This is a fact to be celebrated and gives me tremendous hope. Georgia is stronger when people make their voices heard and engage in the political process — at every single opportunity.

“I entered this race, as a first-time candidate because I saw a lack of leadership. Families having to choose between turning on the heat and putting food on the table. Small businesses struggling to pay their bills. Schools having to choose between training teachers and keeping the lights on. Policies helping special interests at the expense of those of us who pay the bills. This afternoon I spoke with Commissioner Chuck Eaton and congratulated him for retaining his seat on the commission.”

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