OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:47 AM PT — Wed. Dec. 5, 2018
Georgian’s are officially exiting election season after successfully filling the highest unclaimed state seat. Following a closely watched race, Republican Brad Raffensperger came out on top during Tuesday night’s runoff election to become the next secretary of state.
The secretary-elect received President Trump’s endorsement as early voting kicked-off last week. The president touted him for being tough on crime and the border as well as for loving both the military and vets.
While speaking that same evening, Raffensperger thanked his supporters and colleagues for their work.
“I just wanted every Georgian to know I’m going to be fighting for them — thank you very much, god bless you,” he stated.
Brad Raffensperger greets supporters during a campaign stop in Augusta, Georgia. (Photo/Michael Holahan /The Augusta Chronicle via AP)
Raffensperger — a civil engineer and state representative — defeated Democrat Congressman John Barrow.
Preliminary results showed the GOP hopeful leading in suburban Cobb County, where the left hoped Barrow would see a boost in ballots.
In Heard County, Raffensperger overwhelming swept the election and bested Barrow by coming in with around 82-percent of total votes cast.
Raffensperger ultimately won the race after gathering 53-percent of voter support, while his opponent garnered about 47-percent by the night’s end. Barrow has yet to officially concede the election.