Handel concedes to McBath in Georgia's 6th District race
ATLANTA - Karen Handel has conceded to political newcomer Lucy McBath in Georgia’s closely contested 6th District Congressional race.
"Congratulations to Representative-Elect Lucy McBath and send her only good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her," Handel said in a statement Thursday morning.
Handel was seeking her first full two-year term after defeating Democrat Jon Ossoff in June 2017 in a special election and had been considered the favorite in the race. She succeeded Tom Price who resigned the position to serve as President Trump’s first Secretary of Health and Human Services.
"And so, we move on. Tuesday was not our night, but tomorrow will still be our day," Handel said Thursday morning. "Let's all make the most of it."
By Thursday morning, the Secretary of State’s website showed Democrat McBath with 159,353 votes, ahead of Republican Handel with 156,419.
McBath campaigned as a "mother on a mission" grieved by the 2012 slaying of her teenage son in Florida.
In a statement to FOX 5, McBath wrote:
“After a hard fought race, I am honored to announce that the people of Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District have put their trust in my vision for the future of our district and nation.”
McBath added:
“The voters responded to my commitment to put aside partisan fights for the good of the American people. Six years ago, I went from a Marietta mom to a mother on a mission. After my son was lost to gun violence, I stood up and started demanding more. After Parkland, I was compelled to enter this race for Congress – to provide leadership that would be about the business of putting lives over profit. I vow to make that my top priority. I look forward to representing the people of Georgia’s Sixth Congressional District, and I pledge to work hard fighting for every single person and family in this district.”
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