Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger (R) defeated congressman and former President Donald Trump-endorsed Jody Hice (R) by receiving over 50% of the vote and avoiding a runoff on Tuesday night.
Most races for secretary of state are low-key, but Georgia’s race has been particularly closely watched because Raffensperger notably refused to “find the votes” at Trump’s request to overturn the 2020 election in a January 2021 phone call. He became the subject of backlash from some members of the Republican party over his decision. He still won 52% of the vote.
Hice’s campaign was based on election fraud. He called on Georgia citizens to recognize the issues with the 2020 election and vote for him to ensure election security.
Raffensperger’s campaign acknowledged voter concern of election fraud, but reiterated that he deployed a thorough investigation in 2020. He also voiced support for Georgia’s Election Integrity Act that was passed last year. He thanked the election officials on Wednesday morning for their work in Georgia’s Republican primary.
“Yesterday’s smooth and efficient elections wouldn’t have been possible without the poll workers and volunteers across the state that dedicated their time to help democracy thrive,” he wrote on Twitter. “Thank you for serving your state and helping Georgia voters cast their ballots with confidence.”
Trump-backed Georgia gubernatorial candidate David Perdue was also defeated on Tuesday by incumbent Gov. Brian Kemp.
